Native Americans - Current Situation

Tasks and Activities 

Comprehension 

1. About what percentage of the Native population lives on reservations? Where are the majority of these reservations located?

 Almost half of the Native Americans live in large cities a nd rural areas, whereas the other half live on fedaral reservations. The majority of these reservations are situated wast of he Mississippi River, and the Indians continue to live there to maintain their traditions.

2. What are some of the social challenges faced by Native Americans? List what you believe can be possible causes of these challenges?

 Unemployment, poverty, alcoholism and drug abuse are severe social problems on many of the reservations. High rates of diabetes and heart disease are also a concern.

3. Over which matters o tribal governments have power?

 Limitations on tribal powers of self-government include the same limitations applicable to states; for example, neither tribes nor states have the poer to make war, engage in foreign relations, or coin money.

4. How does the sovereignty of Native Americans fall short?

 Many Native Americans and advocates of Native American rights point out that the US Federal Government's claim to recognize the ''sovereignty'' of Native American peoples falls short.The US still wishes to govern Native American peoples and treat them as subject to US law.

5. What does the BIA claim to be its responsibillity when it comes to indian lands?

 The BIA states that its responsibility is the ''administration and management of 55,700,000 acres (225,000km2) of land held in trust by the United States og American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaskan Natives.''