The Sociocultural Setting of Indian Life
D'ARCY MCNICKLE SC.D.1
1 Professor of anthropology, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
It is commonly assumed that the American Indian is faced with "inevitable" assimilation, either voluntary or involuntary, into the majority culture. As this author points out, however, the Indian has managed to find alternatives in the past when, in his relations with the white man, he has faced seemingly inevitable choices. Illustrations from recent workshops for Indian students are used to demonstrate that, despite many problems, it may be possible for the young Indian to use skills acquired from the majority culture in support of his traditional society.
