An Evolving Profile of Indian Americans Since 1860 when American Indians were counted in census, discrepancies were apparent – in 1900 U.S. census stated there were 237,196 American Indians or.3% In the 20 th century, American Indian population rebounded – improved health conditions, higher birth rates, and lower death rates Who is an Indian? Neither Indian tribes nor the federal government applies a single criterion for identifying who is an Indian

In the first decade of the 21 st century, Indian populations continued to grow steadily in every state, rebounding dramatically after the massive decline of previous centuries

Indian country today comprises 565 different Indian tribes, bands, and Alaskan village corporations The majority of Indian people today live in urban areas, and there are also many nonrecognized groups and groups without reservation land This map shows the reservations recognized by the federal government and the individual states as of 2000

Changes in the Bureau of Indian Affairs The BIA is indeed a very different agency from that which carried out programs of cultural genocide in the 19 th century It has the largest number of Native employees in its history, with American Indian or Alaska Native people constituting 90% of its staff Indian Self-Determination Act Amendments of 1994

Nations, Not Minorities Tribal leaders constantly remind the U.S. that “Indian people are nations, not minorities,” with inherent sovereign rights of self-government that existed before conquest and that can be eroded but not erased “Triple Citizens” – like other U.S. citizens, Indian people are also citizens of their states. Indian people who are enrolled members of their tribe are also citizens of that tribe The relationship of federal/state/Indian law is a tangle of overlapping and sometimes conflicting jurisdictions

Tribal Gaming Tribes with few untapped natural resources and limited economic opportunities turned to gaming in the late 20 th century as a way of generating income and employment California v. Cabazon - despite Public Law 280, a state that permitted any form of gambling could not prohibit Indians from operating gambling facilities Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) Gaming has maintained the Florida Seminoles financially stable – a success story Profits from gaming also improve the community infrastructure and fuel the development and growth of other businesses

By 2005 the Seminole tribe operated six gaming facilities, and in 2006 they purchased Hard Rock International for $965 million Seminole gaming provides jobs for thousands of people, most of them non- Indians, thereby giving a significant boost to the local economy In addition to making monthly payments to tribal members, the Florida Seminoles are able to fund community services and scholarships for their members

Native Americans Confront Health Issues Although standards of health have improved, Indian communities confront major challenges in HIV and AIDS, diabetes, teen suicides, and other problems common to modern American society Many tribal leaders regard alcoholism as their primary enemy Drug trafficking and methamphetamine addiction have become severe problems in some Indian communities

Preserving Language & Culture For many tribes, it is key to individual and communal health and well-being. Traditional ways and tribal values offer guides for good living and a path to harmony after generations of disruption The National Historic Preservation Act – permit federally recognized tribes to assume greater responsibility for the preservation of significant historic properties on tribal lands Native American Languages Act (1990) – states that it is the policy of the United States to “encourage and support the use of Native American languages as a medium of instruction”