Elinda wrote:
...and really for what purpose?
To make us feel like we're letting the indigenous people of this land resume the lives that the white man interrupted a couple centuries ago?
To make us feel like we're letting the indigenous people of this land resume the lives that the white man interrupted a couple centuries ago?
No, to allow THEM to maintain some control and self-governance over lands that were originally theirs and were usually taken from them via force or some other shady circumstances.
The idea that it's just to let them live in teepees and hunt buffalo is a bit insulting. Rather, it allows them to decide for themselves how to administer their own lands and maintain whatever balance of tribal tradition and modern society they wish to hold. I'll agree that it hasn't always been successful for the tribes (although I haven't exactly researched everyone and only hear of the worst case scenarios). I disagree that that solution is to say "Nope, you guys blew it. Deal's off."
Edited, Apr 17th 2013 9:36am by Jophiel