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what are recent developments?
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Since 1930, the situation has turned around from its previous downward spiral.
While much remains to be done, Native American have seen many improvements in the last seventy years:
- The Johnson-O'Malley Act of 1934 let the Federal Government contract with the State to provide education, medical care, agricultural help and social assistance for the Indian people in their state.
- Indian health began to improve. Populations increased.
- Economic opportunities began to increase.
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Treaties and treaty rights began to be enforced in the Courts. In Washington State, the Boldt decision of 1974, gave Indians the right to 50% of the fish run in their traditional fishing places.
- Many tribes have been able to provide gambling establishments serving the greater society. This has been a financial boon to many tribes.
- A cultural renewal took place among most Indian tribes.
- Inter-tribal communication increased.
- The Federal Government has given more self-determination to Native Americans. Tribal sovereignty, while still limited, has increased over time.
- The European culture became more sensitive to its own racism and prejudice. To have native ancestry became a desirable characteristic.
The blending of aboriginal and white cultures has accelerated with every year and produced a variety of mixed cultures on the reservations, some more conservative, others more Europeanized.
The Kutenai, for instance, have turned into ranchers or ranch hands during the warm season but use their fishing traps during the winter, a seasonal pattern that in a way conforms with the old culture.
The Nez Percé, on the other hand, have at least partly become farmers.
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