A few questions for the Native American Culture?

1) Typically people assume I get money and scholarships as one. Its a myth that the feds hold our hand on everything. Racism is pretty bad, not to an extreme though. Most people don't realize they're still indians around, and very few recognize us as them. They usually get us mixed up with asian or hispanic crowd. Plenty of full bloods left though. Not as bad as Canada. Been there and could tell you that the racism against natives in Canda; is very very bad.

2) I doubt it will change anytime soon, most tribes keep to themselves and don't bother complaining about the racism. To me best way to fix it, is to work. Beat them at their own system.

3) History, in the 1800's it was the savages, that we were only animals and had no hope of fitting in with a "civilized god-fearing" society. Now, some far right people look at us as leeches, that we live off their precious tax money. Its not true of coarse, but doubt they would ever bother to reasearch that.

4) Not really, it has generated racial friction with others. Not just whites, but blacks and hispanics too. All because they think I get "reparations" when they believe that they should get it instead.

I am of "Native descent" and not raised on a rez so can't say I've ever experienced stereotypes but my husband, (Lakota/Choctaw) wears his hair long and braided and has been called "Chief" on more than one occasion by some ignorant ****. Not so much prejudice though because it has become so "cool" to be indian. We mainly participate in ceremonies in the summer when visiting family. In 50 years I see native tribes gaining strength along with education. They are learning to fight the good fight in the courts and through legislation and I hope to see the tide turn more in favor of native rights. The recent 3.4 billion dollar settlement between Elouise Cobell of the Blackfeet Nation and the Feds. is a good example of that. Despite being billions of dollars short of what has been estimated lost, what a step forward for indians to have been awarded not only the money, but the credibility. The raids in Blanding Utah that resulted in well-respected (whites) being arrested for stealing and selling tribal artifacts is another example of a changing mind-set towards the rights of natives. On the other hand, the atrocities that continue to be committed against tribes is horrifying and I would like to see it become fodder for the mainstream media. With all the focus on Hatie, is anyone even aware that the harsh winter conditions have created an national emergency for the Hopi and Navajo in our own country? Why are we not hearing about their needs? fighting between tribes? Not so much, even the Lakota and Crow are friends now. :) Except when they play basketball. :) Within the tribe, there is still a lot of work that needs to happen to create accountable and honest tribal governments. just my 2 cents.