Topic > Native Americans - 876

Native American culture is unique in many ways. Living on reserves they were in contact with nature and their ancestors. Native Americans are contested across the country, diverse among tribes, culturally mixed, and recognize their own political positions (Bordewich, 1996, p. 71). These have changed over the years, but before Reconstruction Native Americans people were identifiable and knew who they were. Before the Europeans arrived and changed their lifestyle, they felt at one with the land. They believe that the land should not be owned by anyone. The Wakon'da, a god, who with words relating to all things, created the earth. Furthermore, they expressed their feelings for nature as in peaceful trust. Before the "whites" took control of the land, Native Americans had their own laws, as they know, but one of the most important laws was to respect and keep peace with the dominant race and others around them. This means that the natives never wanted to start fighting with other races (Brophy, 1966, p. 24-25). They wanted to stay on their own and keep the land clean and healthy. They did everything in and for nature. Indian dances were a spiritual way for Indians to express themselves. Passed down from generation to generation, dances are not a form of proper movement. They exceptionally follow the steps of their ancestors in the dances of religious ceremonies. The only time a dancer steps out of the way is when it's ex-staff...