Indian author and activist, Vine Deloria makes compelling claims in chapters 1 and 5 of his Indiana Manifesto, “Custer Died for Your Sins.” Although published in 1969, this work lays an important historical foundation for understanding the plight of the Indians. Written during the turbulent civil rights movement, Deloria draws many comparisons to the plight of black people in the United States. He condemns contemporary opinions regarding Indians, largely supported by whites. He argues that Indians are wrongly viewed through the historical prism of a pipe-smoking, bow-and-arrow-wielding savage. Deloria views the oppressors and conquerors of the Indians primarily in the form of the United States federal government and Christian missionaries. The author's general thesis is that white people see Indians the way they want to see them, which is not based in reality. White behavior toward Indians reflects this false perception in law, culture, and public consciousness. Deloria defines the relationship between the U.S. government and the Indians as paternalistic. The U.S. government treated and governed the Indians as a father would by providing basic needs but not granting them rights. There were some improvements with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This act allowed the return of local autonomy to the tribal level and restored self-management of their assets. By allowing Indians to govern themselves, it helped create an economic base for the inhabitants of Indian reservations. Unfortunately, only a few tribes have taken full advantage of this law, while others struggle for survival. According to Deloria, there are many misconceptions about Indians. It amusingly recounts the common practice of white people...... middle of paper ...... Delorias depicts a lot of anger and sarcasm towards white people as the cause of his people's decline and oppression. Although the book is 40 years old, "Custer Died for Your Sins" is still relevant and valuable in explaining the history and issues facing Indians in the United States. Deloria's book reveals that white people's view of Indians is false when compared to the reality of real Indian lives. The forced intrusion of the American government and Christian missionaries had the most oppressive and damaging effect on the Indians. There is hope in Deloria's words, however. He believes that as more tribes become more active and politically competent, they will be able to become more economically independent for future generations. He has great hope in the generation of college-age Indians of the 1960s who are returning to take ownership of their tribe's problems...