And legally binding treaties signed in the 19th century by the U.S. government with the tribes, for "perpetuity," as a condition for them giving up war and remaining on the reservations.
Despite what most folks on this board may think, the issue is a lot more complicated because of those treaties, and Indians are there not necessarily "just another minority" but "wards of the federal government by law.
Just sayin'...
And that law is not helping them in any meaninful way. One could say that this law is, in fact, hurting them tremendously. When it comes to outright laziness, one need look no further. Why work and labor at all, when you simply get your needs handed to you?
Laws are changed, because not every law that passes is a wise law. Laws are repealed, modified or sometimes just done away with all together. The American Indians have failed to integrate with society, they have become corrupt and their culture has all but disintergrated. Part of the blame lies with the American Indian, the other part lies with the US Gov't and attempts to repay generations who have suffered nothing, for vilations made long before the current generation was born.
Neither I, nor any of my relatives ever stole anything from the American Indian. Yet, my taxes are forcibly taken from me, and given to these people as a reparation that has no end date - ever. At some point in time, we must repay whatever debt is owed. What is that date, and why do people who were not involved being forced to repay for a crime they had no part in?