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As far as the past of my nation and the other Native american nations it is obvious to state a genocide has taken place. Because the growth of america has relied solely upon the decimation of the native americans existence it does continue to this day, which is why no reparations have been made, and native history and issues are ignored not just by government authorities, schools, human rights commissions and particularly the public. Just as many nazi's deny the holocaust ever happened, so does the general public deny a holocaust has taken place and still continues, and furthermore don't want to believe that their "forefathers" were just as bad if not worse, than hitler. One million jews did not deserve to die in germany. One million Rwandans did not deserve to die in Rwanda. untold millions of natives did not deserve it either, nobody does. That's a brief summary of what I have to say about recent history that can be generalized about all native american tribes. Presently, concerning native american tribes, the genocide quietly goes on in some areas and not so quietly in others. The navajo tribe for example, was forced to relocate again recently to an area which was contaminated and deemd so radioactive it was unlivable even to animals. Now those who live there have a high cancer rate and birth defects, not to mention the economic impossibilities of holding such territory. Other native american nations are watching their most outspoken activists assassinated or just dissapear. The greatest trend in genocide now is something called "blood quantum", which some authors have written about with very indepth detail. That is where I see present day native america in brief. Culturally, in the past yes we do have a very rich culture in the nations who have managed to maintain what they can. I don't know what your teachings are to date but I do have some knowledge of my tribal culture and have learned some from others, but very little in the whole scheme of things. Presently yes, much knowledge is dying out of what people commonly refer to as "the old ways", but there are those who still practice, as well countless written material available, and many fakes appearing who profit from "new age healing methods." and pass it off as "Native American", I am sure you've seen some of that. And maybe some are. I can't say that I ever paid a fee to learn what I have though. Believe it or not, those who practice the real part of their religion or culture will accept you whether you are red, black, white, yellow or whatever, as long as you approach them with honesty and respect. Where I see the future of my tribe/nation? I would like to say glorious things about the future of my tribe, that they will do the right thing in the best interest of preserving our "culture" and the best interests of our territory. I believe the most important aspect of my culture is my connection to the land. Without it, much is lost. The reality of it is that for every step forward that is made, we are pushed back 4 steps as native american "sovereign" nations. If a tribe with a large enough land base to sustain a large population is able to revolutionize their governing system by cutting past the blood quantum issue, I believe we as native american people, even non native people who wish to live more free than current circumstances provide, will have a Free Country, or at least a known place to gather as a like mind. Perhaps that is too big a dream, and I shouldn't be sharing such beliefs so openly but that is what it is.