VI. Conclusion

In some respects the tribal policies of the U.S. government have come full circle. Policies transitioned from those of the assimilation era, focused on removing American Indian children from their homes and their culture, hoping they would adopt the lifestyle of the Euro-Americans in order to elevate their economic standing, to those of the current era that focus on keeping children in the home where they can learn and benefit from tribal culture. It seems that that state and federal governments are finally recognizing that, at least when it comes to providing services to American Indians, one size does not fit all. As the U.S. government begins to see tribal culture as a tool to increasing tribal prosperity, tribes will have an opportunity to exert more influence over their own communities.