I would add though, the main problem with the Native American situation is the loss of their traditional way of life. It's like they're geared toward that, and don't assimilate well in an economic system. Tribal hierarchy seemed to produce a more desirable social system. Instead of money... hunting, fishing, gathering incentivized existence.

Now they get paid a stipend every month. Subsidized or free housing, medical, food, and even free college for personal advancement doesn't seem to appeal broadly to them as a reason for existence. So many devolve languishing in substance abuse.

I've met successful, smart Indians, and at the same time literally driven through reservations, and seen them stumbling drunk on the side of the road, falling and rolling into ditches for a long nap.

It's a sad state of things. They don't want to go back, but they don't want to go forward either. They have lost their sense of purpose, and that is the biggest loss of all.