Native American Economic Development Case Study

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There are a number of challenges, faced by Native American tribes around the end of the twentieth century, which require an examination. Phillip Martin discussed the economic problems that the Choctaw faced in "Philip Martin (Choctaw) Discusses the Challenges of Economic Development, 1988." He stated, "For many years the Choctaw people were at the bottom of the economic and social ladders, practically all of them subsisting as sharecroppers" (p. 487). Sharecroppers were extremely poor, hardly more than slaves in many situations. This report reveals how difficult of economic situation the Choctaw faced. However, once regulations regarding tribal governments changed the Choctaw made efforts to improve their circumstances. Martin reported, "The …show more content…

James Riding points out this issue in his article, "James Riding In Presents a Pawnee Perspective on Repatriation, 1996."When Riding reported, "consequently, orgies of grave looting occurred without remorse" (p. 491) it brought to mind having seen Indian artifacts for sell. This has been a common practice for many years. It is impossible for me to guess how much loot has been carried off from Indian burial sites over the years. The important point is to note that this has taken place, and Native Americans do want these artifacts …show more content…

Charlene Teters, in her article, "Charlene Teters (Spokane) Asks 'Whose History Do we Celebrate? ' 1998" points out the importance of history when she said, "History is very powerful. The manner in which it is presented has the ability to inspire or deflate, to move nations, to lover, joy, anger, or hatred" (p. 492). Without a correct understanding what has taken place with Native Americans, it is a simple matter to downplay the importance of having the right historical perspective about who they were. With the wrong impression, they might become objects of animosity, which would create new problems for

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