Abstract
This paper discusses the Native American's struggles with mainstream American life along with the hardships brought on by the new cultural dilemmas.

From the Paper
"In modern day American life there are several unique cultures that co-exist within the United States boundaries. These unique cultures are all captured within the term American, but unlike the term American symbolizes, we are all not the same. Each culture shares within itself some history of its beginnings. These beginnings are what make it out to be different."

Tags:cultures, indian, minority, plight, poverty, racism, reservation, struggles, studies, urban

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that intolerance of native religion is a theme that pervades Native-American studies, as the conditions that many Indian nations suffered were guised with a highly religiously motivated idea of manifest destiny. The writer discusses that the Cherokee nation was no exception, as many members sought to live a life that was chosen for them, rather than made by choice. The writer points out that early in the Cherokee history there were struggles with conversion, indoctrination and intolerance of traditional ways. The modern Cherokee movement has tended to meld Christianity, forced upon them by white society, with the spirit of the old knowledge and religion, which like many other native nations was a core aspect of life. The writer concludes that this movement was so effective that the resurgence of Native-American religion today is a revival attempting to make sure that the traditions do not die and that the oldest of the generations has the opportunity to build and spread the faith and language of the elders.

From the Paper
"The Cherokee had a structured egalitarian society and in many ways were very "civilized" from the start with structured towns, rather than nomadic villages that moved with the seasons, a credit given to many other nations and part of the reason they were designated as one of five civilized tribes. The Cherokee were divided into seven clans, as seven was a sacred number to them and they had a war chief and a peace chief, Red Chief and White Chief, with a head medicine man that decided quarrels between the two chiefs who really worked in cooperation to rule the nation. Lineage was patrilinial and matrilineal with the father than the maternal grandmother sharing lineal duties such as naming children and such. The nation also had a subsistence economy where commodity was currency and there was little need for cash, the nation in fact resisted labor employment even into the beginning of the 20th century."

Tags:Indian, tribes, belief, expression

Abstract
This paper explores the beginnings, history, culture, language and religions of Native Americans. The paper explains that they are believed to have come to the Western Hemisphere from Asia via the Bering Strait or along the North Pacific coast. The paper also describes the many different types of languages of the Native Americans, their living conditions in the 20th century and some of the Native Indian religious beliefs.

From the Paper
"The main language family of the Northwest Coast were the Nadene in the north and the Wakashan, a subdivision of the Algonquian-Wakashan linguistic stock, and the Tsimshian, a subdivision of the Penutian linguistic stock in the central area (Natives Pp). They had a highly stratified society with chiefs, nobles, commoners, and slaves, and are famed for their artwork of ceremonial items such as rattles and masks, weaving and basketry (Natives Pp). Moreover, they had woven robes, furs, basket hats, wooden armor and helmets for battle, and their culture included cannibalistic rituals (Natives Pp)."

Tags:americas, population, european, contact, smallpox, influenza, measles, diseases, exposure, plains, plateau

Abstract
This paper examines the societal structures of the various Native American tribes as seen in the book, "Myths That Hide The American Indian" by Oliver La Farge. It describes the tremendous contributions of numerous Native American tribes in art, poetry, governmental structure and customs. The paper explores the European settlers' impact on the Native American people.

From the Paper
"An aspect of the essay that I found very interesting was the societal structures of the various Tribes. The tribes of the Southeast Mississippi Valley region were among the most advanced tribes in North America; in particular the Natchez tribe which had an elaborate social system. The social system of this tribe was divided into two groups; the aristocracy referred to as Suns and the common people called Stinkers. Within this system the common people could wed whomever they wanted but the aristocracy could only marry outside of their social group and the offspring would become a part of the aristocracy. This social system, as elaborate as it was, did create a problem because it decreased greatly the number of Stinkers within the tribe. To combat this the Natchez tribe would capture, torture, and enslave foreigners and if they survived they would become Stinkers in doing this they were able to perpetuate this social system."

Tags:natchez, pueblos, social, system, north, america, aristocracy, tribe

Abstract
In this article, the writer makes a proposal for the essential content of a library exhibit that highlights the Native-American cultures of what is now known as New England. The writer discusses that the exhibit will focus on informing the local community about the influences on and contributions of Native-American cultures to the present culture.

Tags:Champagne, Berkhofer, Native American

Abstract
This paper discusses treatment of Native Americans' rights to their sacred sites under US Constitutional law. Three law journal articles are reviewed and utilized to form a thesis promoting the concept of communal religious rights. Historical background is provided also.

From the Paper
"The first clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."[1] However, throughout U.S. history, the federal government has deliberately restricted and prohibited the religious practices of North America's indigenous Native Americans. Rather than confront this severe blight on the country's human rights record, the various branches of the Euro-cultured U.S. government gloss over past transgressions of First Amendment rights, even as they attempt to justify new violations of Native Americans' religious rights."

Tags:american, amendment, constitution, culture, ethnic, first, indian, law, politics, religion, sacred, sites

Abstract
This paper discusses the use of ceremony in Native American Indian culture, including the powwow and the Gourd Dance.

From the Paper
"Ceremony is something that American culture has largely dispensed with. Weddings are often conducted in bizarre locales such as in helium balloons or on the backs of jet skis or just by a justice of the peace instead of in an elaborate ceremony in a church that is replete with time-honored ritual. Religious rituals such as observing the Sabbath all day have been relegated to only a few of the most devout religious sects. Even rituals as common as..."

Tags:Native American Indian, culture, ceremony, ritual, powwow, Gourd Dance, communication

Abstract
In this article the writer presents an examination of family life with a focus on the Native-American community. The writer explores child rearing, parenting, moral training, infant care and other aspects of the Native-American culture and presents it in a cohesive fashion. The writer notes that the Native-American population continues to blend its foundation with American life to create a situation in which they can live cohesively while not forgetting who they are and where they came from. The writer concludes that as Americans become more tolerant of equal genders and get further away from corporal punishment of children the American culture will become more similar to the Native-American culture, and perhaps learn from a people that has maintained their integrity through almost constant assault.

From the Paper
"The concept of family is important in almost every culture in the world. How one raises children, treats children and support children is instrumental in any culture. Native Americans have struggled for many years to maintain their individual culture and tradition in a world that has spent 200 years trying to strip it away. One of the more difficult elements of maintaining that culture has been in the area of family. Family traditions, and Native American culture have clashed with modern America and the result for many has been confusion, depression and anger as children and teenagers rebel against their parent's wishes. While this is common in almost all family cultures the Native American culture also wrestles with prejudice and bias against their ways. Today, many Native Americans are striving to raise their children with respect for modern ways while still maintaining the traditions of their heritage."

Tags:children, tradition, respect, heritage

Abstract
By analyzing and discussing several articles on the subject, the paper explores the issue of education among Native Americans and shows up the flaws within the American educational system. For example, in "Teaching Indigenous Languages" by John Reyhner, the paper shows how the author examines the topic of making English the primary language of instruction in Native American communities in order to integrate them into the American system. The paper discusses the risks of this move to indigenous culture. Other essays discussed include, ?Effective Instructional Conversation In Native American Classrooms,? (Roland Tharp and Lois Yamauchi).

From the Paper
"Sociolinguistics is an important consideration. When a teacher creates a mandate (while teaching), the response time of the student is termed as wait time. With reference to Native American students who process a concept ?wholly,? this wait time is longer. Students perform better with longer wait times. In contrast, western classrooms have a "switchboard" style of teaching where the teacher appoints students who will answer questions and how the inter-student communication occurs?much like a switchboard operator who connects speakers. The authors opine from studies that Indian students do not ordinarily react to non-verbal nuances. They spoke with small sentences and sparingly and softly. They had stronger communication as groups. They interrupted more and looked at other students when the teacher was teaching. This would be perceived as non-responsive or rude to traditional teachers. (S. White and Tharp, 1988)"

Tags:Indian, sociolinguistics, SAT, Natural, Project, Seminole

Abstract
This paper discusses the concept and historical social role of two-spirited individuals in Native American cultures and explores the relationship of the Cherokee social structure and gender roles with respect to the various dimensions of the two-spirit concept.

From the Paper
"Perhaps the most important practical aspect of traditional Cherokee gender roles is the division of labor, while the most important social aspect is that of matrilineage. Women produced all the major household necessities, such as pottery, baskets, and many other crafts, and supplied their household with firewood and water. They were generally responsible for planting, tending and harvesting crops as well as gathering wild edible plants, and of course, the bearing and nurturing of children. Men, on the other hand, produced hunting and fishing tools as well as weapons and canoes, all of which they used to perform their traditional gender-designated labor activities including the hunting game and warfare."

Tags:gender, labor, culture