These programs range from food assistance, to bill assistance, and even education and business assistance. Most tribes have programs designed to aid all of the community, including members who do not live on the reservation. Each tribe has attempted to address the issue of poverty in a different way, however each attempt has similarities. This cycle started with the reservation systems and continues today with attempts to further edge out tribal sovereignty. These attempts at “knowing what’s best” have created a complex cycle of poverty for many Native communities. government has a history of enacting legislation that can be seen as paternalistic and condescending to Native Americans. This journey is not even close to being over, and the effects of some of the worst events are still being felt. This role has grown and evolved throughout the years from one of absolute authority to sometimes helpful guardian.

The US government has played a large role in the changing atmosphere tribes must deal with. All tribes have a unique relationship with the government, and a few are technically still at war with the United States. However some overarching issues apply to all tribes with differing intensity. Each tribe has their own unique set of issues and resources to deal with these issues. These tribes have lived in the Unites States for thousands of years and are a diverse group of people.

There are 562 federally recognized tribes in the United States, and countless others awaiting recognition (Indian Nations in the United States, 2016). Image 1 - Little River Seal Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Hally Dixon Introduction

Little river casino tribe