continued voice of young Wapishanna man

Sorry, I was walking and learning.  I just returned from a morning of breeze and soft sunshine.

 

The young student responded to the breakfast conversation; he thought that there was an understanding of Native Americans as people who did not have value for material wealth and success.

 

He was also responding to my question about the numbers of Native American businesses in the area.  I observed that there were few and those were tiny stalls selling food.  Most of the Native Americans I saw worked for others.  And there were various views to be heard.

 

I was given the opportunity to ask questions of this young man.

 

He explained to me that the younger generation are seeking change; he believed that the older generation had different cultural values.

 

In bullets:  He did say there was more hope because of the new government and the balance of power.

• substantial businesses are not owned by Native Americans
• The younger generation wants change
• very few teachers in villages
• young men attracted to the gold mines for money
• drugs seem to be another avenue for lots of money
• young girls tend to have value for marriage and motherhood over education
• equal opportunity is not always happening
• preferential treatment does happen
• Change is happening within the Native American community, but the outside change coming in is happening rapidly