Were the Native Americans happy where they lived?

Answer 1

Absolutely not.

There are a host of reasons behind this and I will try to outline a few.

Religion.

Although the US Constitution prevents the government from interfering with religion. Several Native American religions are banned, along with many of the Native American's religious practices. For example the Ghost Dance was outlawed in the USA until 1976. Many Hopi practices are still outlawed.

Government.

Per BIA rules Native Americans cannot form any type of government that is not approved by the US Government, so they cannot practice their traditional roles in government. If a tribe decides to not follow this rule, or revert to this rule, the BIA will withhold tribal recognition and or all money held in trust for the tribe. This includes all laws, rules, and regulations. This is intentional as it undermines traditional belief systems.

Citizenship.

The US Government forced Native Americans to become citizens of the United States in 1924; over their past and present objections (see Lakota revocation of Citizenship; Russel Means). Being a citizen sounds good on its face but it includes a declaration of citizenship, even if it was not stated or agreed to. This declaration inviolate all treaty rights that Native Americans may have had. This was an intentional act to undermine Native American governments.

Bigotry.

Less than a year ago I was traveling through Mexico and stopped at a small diner. After being seated I noticed a sign that said "No Indians Allowed." I asked if that was a joke and was told it was not. I have also heard racial slurs against Native Americans throughout the mid-west (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada) and the slurs were generally acceptable by the audience (people of that area).

Economics.

Traditional tribal systems are discouraged or outlawed in most economic practices. Many attempts to promote business or companies that are for the benefit of the whole tribe are not allowed by the BIA, they will not approve them or slate them for money (from the trust funds). The BIA will generally only allow companies with specific owners, or stock investment companies; which promotes greed (as they always seem to find someone who will do that) and that is against every single tribal belief.

Medical Care.

The US Commission on Civil Rights and US Health services did two joint studies, in 1957 and again n 2004 to assess health care for Native American's. Per treaties with the US Government, the government must provide adequate health care for Native Americans. These reports both state that this goal is not met, in fact it is dismal and rated at 3rd world levels for health care. The report is called Broken Promises and is linked below.

There are also independent reports showing where Native American women are sterilized against their will, have abortions performed against their will or with coercion, as well as having their children taken away from them and adopted by non-Native American families - The Genocide act specifically prevents each and every one of these actions as crimes against humanity. That however does not stop them from being committed against us.

We are bitter, We are Angry, We resent you and your government (you are supposed to be in charge of your government, yes?), We resent your culture and your attempts to force us to conform to it (much like you resent Mexican immigrants forcing the same things on you - seems our curse is working to some degree).

No, our expectations are not met in or by any forms.

Answer 2

Native Americans had lived in their areas for generations and had adapted as they needed to to the seasons. When the weather changed, such as in times of drought, they moved from one area to another that served their purposes better. The Anasazis most likely left northern Arizona/New Mexico, for the southern area that had more water and hunting. Using pottery analysis, archaeologists have been able to determine that many of the southern Arizona indians traveled into southeastern Arizona to follow their livelihood.