American Indian Culture and Research Journal

This article argues that ethnic consciousness has been important for the cultural survival of North American indigenous tribes. In comparing the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, I posit that the politics of assimilation and integration into the capitalist system reduce ethnic consciousness, leading to greater cultural loss. By contrast, the renovation of ethnic consciousness can counteract cultural assimilation, strengthen the economy, and guarantee tribal survival. The article also discusses contextual issues of territory and reservation casinos.