Originally Posted by Wheeldog

I lived with Native Americans (Inupiat Eskimos and Athabascan Indians) for roughly 28 years. Part of that time was spent engaged in cultural research. Cultures do not die easily. A Native American may wear clothes bought from a store, live in a modern home and watch t.v., but that does not mean that he or she has been "assimulated" into western society. The traditions, values and worldview of Natives tends to survive on for generations after the material culture and practices have largely disappeared. In some cases, this sets up a cultural clash within a Native as he struggles to find his place in the world. Aberrant, and even self distructive, behavior can result from this internal conflict. I am familiar some very sad cases of failed social adjustment, including suicide. However, the great majority of my experiences was positive and displayed the remarkable strength and wisdom of aboriginal Native Americans.