Native American culture
persists today despite dire predictions of its impending demise some 125 years
ago. Various attempts by Euro Americans to assimilate Native Americans into Euro
American culture, though seemingly well intentioned for the times, fortunately
failed. American Indians still comprise a culturally rich and distinctive
American ethnic group with a diverse membership. Their culture, however, has
changed immensely since contact as successive generations of tribal members
continue adapting to changing social, political, and economic conditions. Many tribes are focusing their efforts toward various tribal economic developments benefiting both tribal members and surrounding non-tribal populations. When tribal economies flourish, their accompanying political power also increases at both state and federal levels. Within tribes, however, political factions remain sharply divided.
Native Americans have the same hopes for family happiness and success as other Americans. As American culture realizes the value of cultural diversity, Native Americans turn toward aspects of their traditional culture lost or taken from them in the past.
