Our nation’s history with Native Americans is tragic. The Dakota Pipleine shows we still have far to go in our relationship with Natives. Today many tribal communities at risk, with high unemployment and poverty. At the same time, our park system is in need of repairs and is underfunded.
Native Americans are the original conservationists, nobody has a stronger devotion to the land. The National Park Service lands are former Native land, much of it once belonged to Natives by treaty. We should allow a group of Native Nations to administer the National Park System and its budget. This would create jobs and pride for native communities while showing respect and allowing them a larger role in our society. They could protect and preserve our nation’s most beautiful places for all Americans.