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Native Americans Today | |||||
| Today, there are approximately 2 million Native Americans living in the United States. Of these, more than half now live in cities and towns. They go to school and speak English like all other U.S. citizens. Many can still speak their tribal language. About 800,000 live in 300 reservations, most of which are west of the Mississippi river. Native Americans are on average among the U.S.A.’s poorest people. |  Native American woman baking bread on a reservation |
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However, coal, natural gas, uranium, and oil have been found under the land of some reservations in western states. There is some disagreement as to whether these valuable deposits are the property of the tribes or the government. Native Americans are insisting on their rights in this important matter. | ||||||
Most of the reservations for plains tribes are in the northern part of the Great Plains. Like most Native Americans, they are proud of their ancestors and their culture. Many of the tribes have built museums, which showcase their history. Tourism is important for today’s Native American. The old way of life is remembered but gone. |
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