It was an in-artful generalization.
Many Indians today (particularly those that choose to live on reservations) while factually Native American (just as anyone else born here) ironically shun America and cling to some sense of “their land was stolen” and this is really their (ie a tribal) land.
So, while the PC white-man calls them “native American” in fact it seems that would rather consider themselves Cherokee or whatever and just eliminate the whole America thing altogether.
And I've ran across enough racist Indians...to fill a few pick-up trucks.
I happen to be of Indian blood..and live on a Rez. It's not my Rez...fwiw. And it's not your typical Rez either. The Osage think the whole county is their Rez. But it's not.
While I do think on the whole the Indians got screwed, lied to...and murdered. The Fed's will not be paying back ( If that ever happens..) the people that got screwed, murdered and lied to. It's been strung out too many decades now...
There's decent evidence that the BIA...as mis-managed billions of $$$ held in trust for the tribes. Sort of like the Fed's managing SS. LOL!!
FRegards,