Cultural Conflict and Crime: Violations of Native American Indian Cultural Values

Abstract

This paper examines violations of Indian cultural values among two distinct cultural groups residing within one Native American Indian reservation. I explore the possibility that violations of Indian cultural values may contribute to conflict between these cultural groups. This study uses survey (n = 667) and interview (n = 85) data obtained from Indians and non-Indians residing within the same rural Indian reservation community to conclude that Indian cultural values are often violated when non-Indians ask certain questions based on stereotypes of Indians. Violations of Indian cultural values are often viewed as harmful to Indians. The fragile nature of Indian cultures continues to be threatened in ways that may not be amenable to federal legislative protections but may be protected by tribal law.