Chapter Six in our text "Indians of Minnesota" covered many aspects of American Indian life in this state, including state and tribal definitions of who is actually an American Indian. These definitions are important because they determine whether or not people are eligible for Indian-designated programs. I am ashamed to admit that before i read this chapter i did not fully realize the reason or importance of the U.S Census and how up until recently did not accurately represent the American Indian populations in this country, resulting an even larger lack of funding for much needed services and programs.
The reading also discussed social and economic characteristics and while I am glad to see that things are slowly improving, the fact that American Indians are still worse off than any other ethnic groups in the state is proof that there is much more work to be done. Another topic of the chapter is where American Indians live, with focus on reservations and the Twin Cities. Residence is an important issue because American Indians living in urban areas may not be receiving the same access to programs or may become isolated and disenfranchised. I did not realize that living off the reservation could have so many drawbacks. I was very pleased to read about the urban programs and services that are available, especially those provided by individual tribes, which also create jobs and provide an environment that may be more comfortable. Conditions for American Indians have improved on and off the reservation, some credit can be attributed to gaming although mainly benefiting reservations. It is good to see that with the economic clout brought about from the gaming industry is allowing Indians to fight some of the prejudice and discrimination that they face. Although new stereotypes and ways for the government to cut into the profits are inevitable.
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