"Native Vision Gives Hope for Future"

While flipping through Lacrosse Magazine an article grabbed my attention. It was titled "Native Vision Gives Hope to Future". It opened with a powerful image, "In a 30 minute jog, I weaved through a labyrinth of shattered liquor bottles and empty cardboard beer cases on the shoulder of a 55-mph highway" the author then said, "Life on the Ft. Apache Indian Reservation, I quickly realized was not for the feint of heart ... or slow of foot".  The author along with 6 other US Lacrosse staff members went to teach lacrosse to 130 middle-school children. He goes on to explain the children's willingness to learn and practice.  He says, "Nothing happens quickly, however. And, it's hard to teach an 8 year old to envision a path that leads beyond his immediate horizon, especially one that could, ultimately, pull him away from home." 

I hardly expected to find a connection to American Studies while reading Lacrosse magazine, but I was surprised. This is an example of how Westward Expansion has forever changed the lives of generations of Native Americans. In the Fort Apache Indian Reservation more than half of the population lives below the poverty line. Much like the Spokane Indian Reservation, in Reservation Blues, alcoholism, substance abuse, and obesity are prevalent issues. The failed treaties and unfilled promises that took place during Westward Expansion forced these conditions on Native Americans, forever changing the lives of their people. Previous to Westward Expansion Native Americans were free to live where they wanted. Through failed treaties, war, disease, and land swindling they were left with nothing but the small areas designated to them by the Government, often wastelands invaluable for farming or other business.  People who once had all the land now must find ways to leave their home if they wish to be successful. I think it is great that US Lacrosse members are teaching kids the game of lacrosse. However,  the fact that the children live in an area that makes them dream of  athletic success not because they love the sport, but because it is an opportunity to leave their homes behind. We tend to view Westward Expansion as brave Americans venturing out into unknown territory to fulfill their destiny, we rarely remember the cost at which this expansion came at, but I'm sure the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and other tribes will never forget how it changed their lives.