School District 2 catches flak for Indian ed money
Association director says district doesn't meet spirit of the law
By LAURA TODE Of The Gazette Staff
Billings School District 2 has recently come under scrutiny by the Montana Indian Education Association.
The association has questioned the district's plans for using the nearly $1.3 million in Indian Education For All funds allocated to the district during the December special legislative session.
The district plans to use about $46,200 from that fund to pay for a secretary and part of the salary of the district's curriculum director.
The new state law may technically allow the use of funding for staffing, but that's not in keeping with the spirit of the law, said Carol Juneau, D-Browning, director of the Montana Indian Education Association. She said the money was intended to fund additional programs.
The association is a nonprofit group supporting legislation for Indian education and works as an information resource for school districts and educators.
The Indian Education for All funding included several allocations.
One allocation is earmarked for increasing achievement among American Indian students. SD2 received $160,600 for Indian students in the elementary district and $70,400 for students in the high school district. Those funds are ongoing, and the law specifically states that American Indian achievement funds cannot be used to pay for existing programs.
An additional one-time-only Indian Education For All allocation is directed at the development and implementation of curriculum to be used for Indian education for all students at all grade levels to emphasize the cultural and historical contributions of Montana Indian tribes.
The elementary district is slated to receive $446,204 and the high school district will receive $227,648. The district will also receive $200,063 in ongoing money for the elementary district and $116,728 for the high school district to continue to provide Indian education in every classroom. The rules for the Indian Education For All curriculum development and implementation are less restrictive.
Last week, the SD2 board approved the development of an Indian Education for All director position, which will be filled by Carol Blades, former principal of Crossroads Alternative High School, at a salary of $73,743. Her secretary's salary at $28,792 will also be paid for out of the Indian Education for All funds, and some $17,400 will be used to pay part of the district's curriculum director's salary.
Juneau said she supported the development of an Indian Education for All administrative position, but disapproved of using any of the funds for the salary of a secretary or curriculum director.
The Montana Office of Public Instruction is vague on what the Indian Education for All funds should be used for, Juneau said, and how districts will be accountable for tracking the funds. All the allocations are dumped into the district's general fund.
"That's where the problem lies," Juneau said. "There's no provision for schools to put it into a special fund where it can be tracked. ... Even if it went into the general fund, it should be used for Indian Education for All."
Associate Superintendent Jack Copps said staff hired with the Indian education money will act as a "launching pad" for new programs. "We don't know for sure what they're going to look like, so we have to rely on these people and their expertise to help us define that."
Remaining Indian Education for All funds will be used to support new programs and enhance existing programs, which can include supplies, teaching materials and professional development.
In her letter, Juneau mentioned the $419,000 special session allocation for at-risk students. Many of the district's American Indian students are served through at-risk programs. Copps said that allocation will be used, in large part, to sustain existing programs.
"The reality is, we're restructuring a lot of things here because we had to take care of a very significant budget shortfall," Copps said.
Juneau said that despite the district's financial situation, administrators should be using the additional funding for what it was intended for -- not for paying existing salaries.
"Billings is the largest school district in the state," she said. "They're going to be the role model for other school districts, and if other districts follow suit, we have gained nothing for Indian Education for All."
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Out of towner
wrote on
June 01, 2006 5:56 AM Start looking closer and you will find that the Billings school board has been illegally transferring funds for awhile. Maybe they should hire someone who has a clue about finances and fund accounting to run the show.
Indian Parent
wrote on
June 01, 2006 7:23 AM Why is this money always supporting Non-Indian staff in all school districts in Montana. If you want something to develop or be developed, why not find some educated Native Americans and pay them. They are the only true one's who will be able to help you in starting programs that will benefit the "Indian" children because of their experience. And believe it or not, there are alot of Native American's out there with degrees who are very capable of handling the job.
Grandma
wrote on
June 01, 2006 7:32 AM Well! Is this a suprise? Not to many of us. We know there is a problem with the school board not listening. They have been in the paper for several weeks showing their failures as the school board. Maybe it is time for someone higher then this school board come in an audit their books and get them on the right track. They don't seem able to do it themselves. Then maybe we can get a levy passed.
sigh
wrote on
June 01, 2006 8:55 AM Interesting the way the Legislature micromanages curriculum expectations and then assumes these programs drop from the heavens and are implemented without any administration. Once again the Gazette suggests a problem that doesn't exist. Keep it up! We'll continue to fail levies and wonder why this community stops attracting good businesses to locate here.
SD2 parent
wrote on
June 01, 2006 9:08 AM Just another example of not dealing with the real problem. the supposed cutbacks that recently happened to to funding shortfalls, and then keeping an administrator and creating a position for her at the students expense.
INDIAN MOTHER
wrote on
June 01, 2006 9:13 AM AGAIN........OTHERS BENEFIT FROM INDIAN MONIES AND OUR CHILDREN ARE CONTINUALLY "LEFT BEHIND". PEOPLE OF THE BILLINGS COMMUNITY SHOULD NOT COMPLAIN BECAUSE YOU ALL HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP YOUR SCHOOLS BUT FAILED TO DO SO BY NOT APPROVING SCHOOL LEVY'S AND TAXES. EVERYONE KNEW THAT IT WAS COMMING TO THIS BUT STILL NO ONE VOTED FOR THE KIDS. WE CAN ALL AFFORD 70.00 DOLLAR PANTS (WITH HOLES IN THEM MIND YOU) AND 150.00 SHOES FOR OUR KIDS BUT NOT AN INCREASE IN OUR YEARLY TAXES!
I KNOW SEVERAL SCHOOLS THAT WANT TO MAKE SURE AND "COUNT" THEIR INDIAN STUDENTS JUST SO THEY CAN GET INDIAN MONIES AND THEN FROM THERE THIS CHILD IS LEFT BEHIND. MY OWN CHILDREN COME HOME AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY SCHOOL YEAR WITH PAPERS WANTING TO KNOW THEIR ETHNICITY BUT I REFUSE TO COMPLETE THEM, MY CHILD DOES NOT BENEFIT FROM ANY OF THE INDIAN MONEY THAT GOES TO HER SCHOOL AND SHE DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH, I PAY FOR HER THINGS AT SCHOOL, I PAY FOR HER FIELD TRIPS ETC.
THIS MONEY IS ALLOTED FOR OUR INDIAN CHILDREN AND THE NON-INDIAN ADMINISTRATORS DECIDE TO USE THE MONEY ELSEWHERE WITHOUT EVEN A THANK YOU, THERE ARE SEVERAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT WOULD NOT MAKE IT OUT THERE IF IT WERE NOT FOR OUR INDIAN CHILDREN AND THE BENEFITS THEY BRING TO THE SCHOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Concerned Native
wrote on
June 01, 2006 9:28 AM This just exemplifies the resistance by many to the Indian Education for All. Open up your minds and accept the fact that Indian Education is VERY important to teach and to learn....we are apart of history aren't we?
a teacher
wrote on
June 01, 2006 9:46 AM I would first like to say that, reading these comments in the last few weeks have led me to believe that racism is still an issue in Montana. We are a state that has many reservations and yet most of the non-indians do not have a clue about them and don't seem to learn. SD2 has been in the news a lot lately and it is a shame. Just a few months ago we had an administrator in Hardin (50% or more American Indian enrollment)blaming Indian students for not passing AYP, this is a shame, and if it is true than what to do? If Hardin has received this kind of funding I bet it wouldn't go to benefit the Indian students. They don't even hire qualified American Indians to assist in The Indian Education for all law. The whole 1.3 million needs to go to the students. SD2 over pays their administrators. I don't know the starting pay for teachers with a degree (@SD2), but I do know the rest of Montana is below the $28,792 they will pay the secretary.
Mt in Wisc
wrote on
June 01, 2006 10:02 AM In other states monies for Indian Education is used for Indians not hiring white staff. They should hire Native people and set up programs where these children learn about their culture and history, and that's not white history. Other states also have programs for tutoring their native children. These types of abuses with funds make the native people angry. Again the whites are taking advantage of native people and monies allocated for them!!!
John
wrote on
June 01, 2006 10:25 AM Hear! Hear! Re: sec'y pay comment. While not wanting to demean what a sec'y should make I know of college educated faculty and staff not making $28,000, and many are 12 mo. jobs.
thanks Gazette
wrote on
June 01, 2006 11:03 AM Quit applying rules to the use of these funds that don't exist. If you want a rule that says only Native Americans can teach and administrate these programs, then go to the Legislature and change the statute.
we need a plan
wrote on
June 01, 2006 11:04 AM Recently, I visited the Great Falls School District and was extremely impressed with their Indian Education Program. They have accumulated a wonderful Native American Resource Library with books about all the Tribes in Montana. The Native American students are very involved in learning and bringing back Traditional Native Games like handgame, double ball, run and scream and ring the stick. The Native American students exhibit positive self esteem and pride as they teach other students about Indian games, and it is a joy to hear all students express positive affection for Indian culture as they learn to play the ancient Native games of intuition. Benefits include knowledge and interpretation of body language, Keen observation of the Natural Environment, Cooperation & Good Sportsmanship, Coordination & Dexterity, Stamina, Marksmanship & Hunting skills while combining efforts of the mind, body and spirit. Some may say that a Native American Resource Library and Traditional Native Games will not be enough to solve this problem. I would have to agree, but we need to start somewhere. And if we begin by adjusting our attitudes to welcome Indian Education For All as a fun and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the tremendous contributions that Indians have made to America we may be able to heal some of these deep wounds that turn into into negative stereotypes that outlet into negative and racist comments in anonymous blogs.
Doesn't make sense...
wrote on
June 01, 2006 12:30 PM If they are creating a director position for Indian Ed for All, why wasn't it advertised properly and candidates interviewed? I'm sure there are qualified candidates out there. It seems to me like they created a new position for someone who had lost their old position due to the closing of Crossroads school.
It's ironic that
wrote on
June 01, 2006 1:00 PM on the Billings.com web page this story is posted next to one by a Nazi group.......hmmmmm, makes me wonder if their kids benefit from Indian monies?
Don't Get It
wrote on
June 01, 2006 1:37 PM Other than it being a law, why is it necessary that my kids get Indian education? How is the time spent learning about this tribe or that tribe better spent that the time spent on math, history, English or science? I raised my kids not to feel sorry for anyone (Indian, black, whatever) and to not buy into any white man's guilt. So, no dice there. What exactly is the desired outcome here?
To doesn't make sense
wrote on
June 01, 2006 2:08 PM I agree completely, but its more admin bull.... . How do you get rid of cannibals?
Native Rez Teacher
wrote on
June 01, 2006 3:18 PM Our students on the Reservation learn tribal,state, US history/laws and government. They learn, or try to survive within three different worlds. Why shouldn't the (whites, blacks, and whatever people of color)learn about the First People of this Nations History. The United States is considered the melting pot of the world, yet the Native American's still cling to their culture, and distinct uniqueness.
The Indian Edcation for All money should be used to instill this into all students. Not to pity, but to eduate all people that the Native Americans are part of this country, the first people of this country, but the last to become US citizens (1924).
GWB
wrote on
June 01, 2006 4:10 PM 46k in salary and benefits to be a secretary? How many of these are in SD2? No wonder the district does not have money. What does a secretary do for a curiculum director, other than play solitaire on the computer all day. I got to get a government job so I too can have a secretary. They taught us about the Indians in history class, what's the point. Maybe they should have special classes about immigrants, each nationality a seperate class, that came over on a boat and worked for everything they got. Just a plain waste of taxpayer money that is not going to make one difference in how a person thinks.
montana
wrote on
June 01, 2006 4:24 PM RIGHT ON !! INDIAN MOTHER YOU SAY IT WELL....
Virgil Middendorf
wrote on
June 01, 2006 4:36 PM The "Indian Education for All" program is a perfect example of a mandate lowers the quality of education that the public schools provide. I remember when I was in 6th grade in Minnesota, we were required to learn Minnesota History. If Montana wants to require the teaching of Indian culture and history, a Montana history class is the place to put it. LETS STOP THE MADDNESS OF FORCING SD2 TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SPEND 1.3 MILLION DOLLARS IN THIS ONE AREA! SD2 had to spend $100,000 to hire people to document compliance with this mandate. It is people like Carol Juneau who are RUINING public education in this state. She should be ashamed.
COMMON SENSE AGAIN?
wrote on
June 01, 2006 4:38 PM Well as I sit here and read just a couple of the comments thar are posted I can't help but think why are we trying to teach our kids seperately. I grew up just north of a reservation and feel that I missed out on a lot of history of OUR COUNTRY!! This country is for everyone, not just the whites, native americans, or whatever race that you may be. Our American History course should be include everyone that has had an impact on this wonderful country that we call home.
get real
wrote on
June 01, 2006 5:10 PM Indian reservation schools get a lot more money per pupil than SD2-maybe they should clean up their own mess first!
warriorette
wrote on
June 01, 2006 5:36 PM I agree with alot of the comments on here. Someone had a good question...why wasn't the position advertised? I check the OPI website just about everyday and I haven't seen the opening. Why is this Carol being hired as the Indian Ed. For all Director? Is she native? Does she know what's good for the native americans? Guess, we shall see. As for her secretary, I work as a teacher in a small reservation school, second year teacher and that secretary makes more money than I do...NOW WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? Yes, the school district is losing money because their administration the board members are getting overpaid. If the school district wants to save money, they can start by downsizing staff instead, lowering administration salaries and just go without sports for a year or so and other extra curricular activities that aren't really necessary.
My son goes to school in the SD2, maybe I should pull him out and put him in the catholic school system where I know he will get a good education regardless of his ethnicity background.
I think Mrs. Juneau needs to do what she can to disapprove of this funding the two ladies with the Ind. Ed for all monies. The principal and secretary should just retire, then that'll save SD2 alot of money. Just my opinion!
Common Sense
wrote on
June 01, 2006 7:55 PM This is a complicated issue, so here's some help in better understanding the big picture.
It's "Indian Education" money. That means it goes to the Indian children and to actual Indian educators. So once again
It's "Indian Education" money.
It does not go to the Chinese.
It does not go to the Irish.
It does not go to [insert non- indian race here]
THATS WHY THEY CALL IT "INDIAN EDUCATION" MONEY.
SD2 Trustee
wrote on
June 01, 2006 10:27 PM Some facts: the Montana Supreme court has held that the Montana constitution requires K-12 education for all students about the distinct and unique cultural heritage of the American Indians. SD2 and the School Board are required to comply with this mandate. The State legislature allocated funds to develop and implement this constitutional requirement. Educational programs don't fall out of the sky. They are developed by educators and staff. SD2 is using the funds exactly as intended and required by the legislature. To develop an indian education for all program. When the program is developed, it will be taught by teachers. All these educators and staff have to be paid.
More facts: SD2 trustees don't get paid. We are elected officials who volunteer our services for our community. SD2 administrative and staff salaries are in line with other similar school districts. SD2 budgets and expenditures are subject to endless review and audits. Our audits have been clean. No illegal transactions, no improper use of funds. If there is a question about financial issues the Board gets an opinion from the State and follows that advice.
Spouting off opinions without regard to the facts is not responsible commentary. Come on down to the SD2 Board and committee meetings, learn something, and then share your informed and constructive thoughts with us.
MJK
wrote on
June 02, 2006 12:46 AM To Native Rez Teacher- I suppose the reason there is so much flak and stonewalling being done on incorporating Indian History can be summed up by 2 words "YOU LOST". Callous as that sounds that’s what I see as the major stumbling block in getting proper History taught to all kids in this country regardless of skin color. I have a post graduate degree in history and have done some fill in teaching on the side in Texas and California if you think we have problems here you should see the circus they call a school system in those 2 states. Point of fact when my daughter was a sophomore in high school in Texas she was expelled for 3 days for pointing out to the teacher that he was wrong, what she stated was that the 9th and 10th US Cavalry [The Buffalo Soldiers] played a major part in putting down the Native problem in that State [Texas] the teacher insisted that the Texas Rangers handled the entire situation. When I went in to talk to the principal I pointed out that the State of Texas during that era could only afford approximately 250 Rangers at any one time to cover the entire state thus they couldn’t possibly be able to deal with Quanah Parker and the Kawaidi Comanche the teachers response to me was that no way was the state of Texas beholden to a bunch of Black Soldiers[well he didn’t say Black] I agree that the Native Americans have a lot to be proud of they were the Greatest Light Cavalry to roam the planet and their leaders generally out generaled the US Army during every battle fought from 1865 till 1891. If Old General Billy Sherman had not got stuck in that train during that snow storm where he witnessed that the buffalo wouldn’t cross the train tracks it wouldn’t have given him his greatest weapon to use against the Plains Tribes. Sherman was the man responsible for pushing the railroad across the country once he did he divided the buffalo herds into thirds then it was only a matter of him sending the hide hunters into the 3 zones and decimate the herds. Destroy the enemies commissary and you destroy his means to fight. Sherman learned this tactic well during his famous [or infamous depending on which side of the Mason-Dixon you from] March To The Sea. Once the herds were gone the tribes had no choice but to come in to the reservations. Even the Crows who were the Great Fathers greatest scouts and staunchest allies all the way back to the early 1800's when the beaver trade started were forced in to reservation life once the Army no longer required there services tracking down the other tribes. Anyways Ill get off my soapbox OBTW I think your date for gaining citizenship and the right to vote is a bit off I believe the last of the tribes were not afforded that right till the 1950's in some cases but I may be wrong. Have a nice day
dw
wrote on
June 02, 2006 6:58 AM The federal law was enacted in 1924. Some state laws were enacted in the 50's
UM Griz
wrote on
June 02, 2006 7:25 AM MJK: Excellent commentary. My undergraduate degree was in History, so it was interesting reading your post. Many tribes celebrate their survival as a people and culture despite the attempts to destroy them as a people. The “victory” over the Indian peoples of the United States came as a result of a combination of military campaigns, negotiated treaties and forced removal from traditional homelands. Since the “winners” write the history, we are taught in school from that perspective. Assumptions being as they are, it is a losing battle to have people consider other view points, as you pointed out with your example of the Buffalo Soldiers in Texas. Speaking in militaristic terms It has been a uphill battle to get the Indian Education for All act passed and get funding for it. The Montana Constitution stated that the state “recognizes the distinct and unique cultural heritage of the American Indian and is committed in it’s educational goals to the preservation of their cultural integrity”. MCA 20-1-501 codified the Constitutional language into law in 1999. It took a Supreme Court ruling two years ago to get the State of Montana to honor their own Constitution and law by funding this mandate. The arguments persist on why does the history of Montana’s Indian peoples need to be included in the curriculum. I have heard arguments on why other groups don’t have their history taught in the schools. My answer has always been; 1) It’s the law. You can’t ala carte the Constitution and what Montana Codes you choose to follow and not follow. You accept them as package deal. 2) As an Indian, I’ve had to learn about the history of this great country, including accounts of the history of the European people who came to this country. I have also been taught the history of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Germanic peoples, Norse, Italians, French, Irish, Spanish, etc. etc. Someone said Indian Education for All is taught already in Montana History. If that’s the case, then the data from the OPI isn’t correct. They query all Montana schools and districts in their Annual Data Collection. In the two years they have collected data on Indian Education for All, schools have overwhelmingly asked for assistance in implementing this law. The dollars have already been allocated, it’s too late to be arguing that fact. MIEA and Carol Juneau should be commended for demanding fiscal accountability for those dollars specifically earmarked for SD2 for Indian Education.
SD2 parent
wrote on
June 02, 2006 9:17 AM To SD2 Trustee; Been there and done that, your committees are a joke, the board meetings worse. You don't really want input, you way yes men to show up and approve your foul-ups. You people waste money like it doesn't matter, and then whine that the district is broke. If you would do your research and then make truely informed intelligent decisions we wouldn't be in near as bad of shape as we are. Want some examples? How about the air exchange systems you're having put in, sure its nice to have, it also increases your ongoing operating expense. Closing Crossroads to save money and then keeping top administrator? Carol Wicker who was run out of Hardin, hired as princpal and then didn't get along with anyone at Senior so was give a raise and moved to the Lincoln Center. Paying Jo Swain more as an unqualified, unexperieced Superintendant trhen you wer offering in the job search. Closing elementry schools and then adding additional class space at 4-5 other schools to ease overcrowding. Selling Garfield at a fraction of its value (this being proven because the current owner gets more per year in rent than he paid for the building. I could go on.......but you really don't care. Afterall, you're perfect, the rest of us are ignorant and don't understand anything about the world.
P.S. I voted for the levy's even though I despise all of you, and I don't have kids in school, thankfully they are grown and gone.
To MJK
wrote on
June 02, 2006 10:22 AM We did not Lose. We are still alive and well. We still have our language, or culture and or beliefs. It is the White man that has lost their ways and are unsure of their beliefs that is why they dabble in different religions. The white man has lost and forgotton many things that have been taught to them by their elders such as: how to sew, knit, crochet, how to churn butter, how to make soap, and how to cook to name a few. You know your history the white man back then removed Indians from their homes and placed them in boarding schools to teach them your ways, placed them in Catholic Schools to teach them the White way and removed families from the reservation and placed them in cities to incorporate them to the white way. Now they are taking monies that don't belong to the secretary to pay her, if you feel that is okay - or not as bad as California, we are not California we are Montana with 7 Indian reservations and we Indians are not the losers and will continue battling these people that keep taking away from us!!!!!!
To SD2 Trustee
wrote on
June 02, 2006 10:25 AM I read your commentary, and it sounds all good and fine. But you still didn't answer the question: why wasn't the position advertised? I would like to know the qualifications of the person placed in this director position. What does she know about Native American history? What is her background? Is she truly qualified for this position or is it a case of the good ol' boy society taking care of their own?
BigskyMT
wrote on
June 02, 2006 10:35 AM
SD2 might as well jump on the Conrad Burns band wagon and treat Native Americans like second class...unless you have lots of money for "their" pockets.
yetagain
wrote on
June 02, 2006 12:02 PM The point is: The history of America AND the state of Montana, did not begin with European invasion. There is much of value that can be learned from the survival of the first inhabitants of this land. To assume otherwise is foolish and contradictory to even European historical perspectives of American history (even the "you lost" commentator ingores this fact.) Other then bigotry, why would anyone choose to limit the ability of their children to expand their minds and explore the contributions of people who came before us.
crow indian boy
wrote on
June 02, 2006 12:17 PM here it come again, money and Indians. I pay Taxes about 16,000 a year..please read the 1868 tready between the Crows and US govt.
Amy Jones
wrote on
June 02, 2006 1:11 PM I'm in Seattle and I just filled out one of these forms for my son in 4th grade. There is no programs at his school for any learning of American Indian history. He went to a presentation were some man told stories and they all ate pizza. I paid for the field trip out of my pocket. I'm disappointed by these events. Should I or should I not fill out those papers any longer? Do they already have our number? I work with my two children in their schoolwork and set a good example of responsibility and valuing an education. I am truly sad today.
sheesh
wrote on
June 02, 2006 2:03 PM Gee, SD2 Parent, I can't imagine why you aren't missed! Can you hang any more baggage on a board that is made up of a majority of people who had nothing to do with all the wrongs you drag around? No wonder few people want to serve. People like you keep kicking a dead horse. You have nothing positive to offer.
a
wrote on
June 02, 2006 3:21 PM I understand the fact that the "indian money" should be spent on the Indian race of people. However, I am caucasian, a successful college student, and there is no "white middle class scholarship". As the years go by and there is no aid for people like myself, its hard to find sympathy.
MJK
wrote on
June 02, 2006 3:23 PM I will clairify since it appears some people read as far into my blog as the "YOU LOST" statement and then they got their backs up and forgot to read the rest of what I wrote. The Crows did not lose in a Military sense / standpoint since they were on the same side as the US Army. They were the SCOUTS for Miles, Custer , Crook and Terry at various times from 1865 till 1891. The Crow Scouts were give their choice of the other tribes [Lakota,Cheyenne etc] captured Horse herds. Your right I shouldnt have said the Tribes that actually fought against the US Army did not lose as I stated they ran out of supplies to fight with. The Lakota, Cheyenne, Commanche and the Apache were never out Generaled by any of the US Army Leaders of the time. Crook,Terry Miles and Custer were great Generals and leaders in conventual warfare as there Civil War records rightly show. The Crows lost as I stated when the US Army didnt have any use for them any longer as scouts and turned on them and threw them in with all the other tribes. It was a costly War also this Nations longest War the Plains/Desert Indian Wars lasted as I stated from 1865-1891. Terrible things were done by both sides but thats what war is all about. Anyways have a nice day
Winners and Losers
wrote on
June 02, 2006 4:05 PM When one studies history who wins and who loses is determined by who has the best technology. Initially the technology determines who will physically dominate the other as in who has the best bombs. Native Americans lost that battle. The next battle is whose culture will crush another's, also determined by technology. The dominant culture's transportation, entertainment, manufacturing, communication, and, most importantly, medical technologies ensures that their culture will continue to lead. After all, who would trade today's medical technology for what Native Americans relied on 100 years ago?
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