Indian author and activist, Vine Deloria makes compelling claims in chapters one and five of his Indiana Manifesto, "Custer Died for Your Sins". Well Published in 1969, this work lays an important historical foundation for understanding the plight of Indians in the United States. Written during the turbulent civil rights movement, Deloria makes interesting comparisons with the struggle of blacks for equal rights in the states. -United contemporary views of Indians are largely aided by whites and argues that Indians are wrongly viewed through the historical prism of a pipe-smoking, bow-and-arrow-wielding savage Deloria views oppressors forcefully. and the conquerors of the Indians mainly like the United States federal government and Christian missionaries The general thesis of the author is that white people see the Indians the way they want to see them, which is not based in reality. The behavior of whites towards Indians shows its effects in the false perception of law and culture, defines Deloria. the relationship between the U.S. government and Indians is paternalistic. The U.S. government treated and governed the Indians as a father would, providing for their 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 continue to struggle for survival. Culturally, according to Deloria, there are many misconceptions...... middle of paper ......s White people are 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 effects 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 feels great hope in the generation of college-age Indians of the 1960s who are returning to take ownership of their tribe's problems and build a better future for their children...