"All Cultures Matter " ~ Once a Warrior

The interaction of American Indians with White settlers in the 1800's expansion was a painful, tense relation. Settlers raised on the notion of Manifest Destiny & empty lands, Indians added a terrifying element, in an already difficult unsure life. For Indians, arrival of settlers meant nothing less than the end of their way of life. Instead of cultural exchange, contact led to a virtual destruction of Native's life and culture. Violent acts broke out on both sides. The greatest atrocities were perpetrated by white-man, with superior weapons, more people, & the support of the U.S. government.

The death of the Indian way of life happened as much at the hands of well-intentioned reformers, & those who wished to see the Indians exterminated. Individual land ownership, boarding schools, and to rid of Indian's cultural ways, were the efforts of White reformers. So much of their life was stripped away, it was hard for Indians to maintain their tribal integrity.

Inspired by my time teaching on Native First Nation Reserves.