Cultural Diversity Chapter 6

Population Statistics (2010) - Native American vs General Population
- Total Population: 2.9 million Native Americans (0.9% of U.S.)
- Average Family Size: 3.17 (Native Americans) vs 3.62 (Total Population)
- Never Married: 34.2% (Native Americans) vs 44.2% (Total Population)
- High School Graduates: 85.0% vs 76.6%
- College Graduates: 27.9% (Native Americans) vs 13.0% (Total Population)
- Unemployment Rate: 5.1% (Native Americans) vs 12.9% (Total Population)
- Median Household Income: $51,914 (Native Americans) vs $36,779 (Total Population)
- Families Below Poverty Level: 10.1% (Native Americans) vs 22.1% (Total Population)

Native American Experience:
- Historically subjected to subjugation and assimilation; ambiguous origins of the term.
- Population decline from 10 million in 1500 to 600,000 in 1800, due to disease, warfare, and food scarcity.
- Current population sits at approximately 2.9 million, with multi-racial identities making up about 0.7%.

Population Growth:
- American Indian and Alaska Native population increased over the 20th century but remains small compared to total U.S. population.
Reservations and Tribal Structures:
- 324 federally recognized reservations exist; significant tribes include Navajo Nation, Pine Ridge, and Fort Apache.

Cultural Characteristics:
- Many tribes stress harmony with nature, communal ownership, and egalitarian values.
Differences in values led to disadvantages when dealing with dominant groups.

Overview of Major Legislation:
- Removal Act (1830): Forced relocation of Eastern tribes.
- Allotment Act (1887): Divided tribal lands into individual plots, undermining tribal cohesion.
- Indian Reorganization Act (1934): Rescinded previous acts, made funds available for economic development, encouraged self-governance.
- Termination Act (1953): Ended the reservation system, stripped tribes of recognition and protection.

Economic and Social Conditions:
- High unemployment rates, especially on reservations.
- Efforts to develop industry have led to low wage, low benefit jobs—often non-Indians hold better positions.
Gambling and Economic Independence:
- Many tribes capitalize on gaming introduced by federal legislation, leading to varying degrees of economic success.
Compensation for Treaty Violations:
- Many tribes pursue claims against the U.S. government for breaches of treaties, which could provide economic resources.

Cultural Stereotypes:
- Persistent stereotypes depict American Indians through a lens of violence or as noble savages, both dangerous.
Economic Disparities:
- Significant wage gaps between American Indians and non-Hispanic Whites, with high poverty rates in children especially prevalent among tribes like Lumbee and Navajo.

Educational Attainment:
- Increase in tribal colleges accommodating cultural needs; improving graduation outcomes when transitioned to four-year institutions.
Intermarriage Rates:
- Higher intermarriage rates with non-Indians, especially in urban areas, correlate with better economic outcomes.

Protest Movements:
- Started during WWII; focused on rights, resources, and preserving tribal identity. Notable events include Alcatraz Occupation (1969) and Wounded Knee Occupation (1973).
- The modern Red Power movement embraced both unity and tribal diversity, advocating for greater self-determination.

Cultural Preservation vs. Urbanization:
- Urban migration poses threats to traditional cultures; yet, urban settings can offer new opportunities for political organization and activism.
Balancing Assimilation and Pluralism:
- The ongoing challenge remains to foster tribal identities and cultures while navigating modernization and assimilation pressures.