The Tohono O’odham (Desert people) are indians that mainly lived in the Sonoran Desert. In ancient times they were called Papago. The problem between them and the United States began in 1853 when the Gadsen Purchase took place. The purchase created a border between Mexico and the United States, cutting through the middle of the Tohonos main land. This cause much conflict and forced many native Tohonos to live on the Mexico side or the US side. In 1850 the Apache warriors began killing Natives and seeling their children as slaves in Mexico. To help, the United States set aside a reserve only for the Tohono O’odham native indians. They now have the second largest Native Indian reserve in the US. Throughout the years the indians have developed their own government and started having jobs and going to college.
Do I think they were compensated for their loses, yes. They receive education benefits and equality, and their own land reserved in the US. They still hurt form their loses because they believe that the border ruins wildlife habitat and makes it hard for them to see their families in Mexico. If it were anyone, if ones beliefs and way of life were damaged or had to be rearranged, anyone would be hurt but when it comes down to it, life can sometimes just not be fair, you just have to deal with it. With all the new developments and economical issues arising, different guidelines and ways of living are going to be made to keep peace and help keep citizens safe.
Amanda,
I agree with what you had to say. The subject of what we took from the Native Americans is a sensitive one. They do own their own lands, have their own governments and get scholarship money to attend college. I feel they have been compensated, but its hard to give back what was taken so long ago. Now its about compromise and reaching agreements that work for both parties.
I agree completely. There is no way to make up for what the US, and many other people, have forced them to suffer through.