Markéta Křížová: The Czech lands, Europe and the world

Indians have a unique position in the United States that is not comparable with that of other ethnic groups and stems from their status as the “original inhabitants” of North America. During the 20th century there were numerous attempts to deal with the “Indian question”; however, they were characterised by an absence of systematic approach or coordination. Efforts at conservation alternated periodically with the nullification of the Indians’ privileged position. In the second half of the 20th century, a movement to boost the original inhabitants’ eminent domain divided US public opinion and cast doubt on the very fundamentals of the American political system. What is the current position of the Indians, what influence do they have on public affairs and what are their prospects for the future?