[LandonM]

In the case of Native Americans, how much "poverty" do you believe is lifestyle choice or culturally dictated versus being the result of some sort of broader societal "oppression?"

The reason I ask- many reservations are rich in minerals or other commodities (not to mention a very healthy supply of able-bodied manpower with nothing better to do) and are essentially fiscally autonomous (save for Federal jurisdiction for crimes).
If I put a few thousand white guys in that exact same situation, there's no doubt in my mind that they would have something going in a years time. However, native culture puts different emphases on lifestyle that, by our standards, might be classified as "impoverished" when often times, it's really a case of cultural minimalism and an acceptance of austerity (similar to that of the Amish. )

In short- do you believe the rampant poverty that pervades native communities is a result of their own collective decision making or something else?