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This investigation of American Indian .underdevelopment is based on historical data on the Cherokee people which demonstrate how a self-sufficient people have been reduced to their present state of poverty and welfare dependence. Colonialism and the imposition of White control over Native institutions undermined the Cherokees' ability to innovate effectively. This hypothesis is substantiated by similar experiences of other tribes, as well as those of different indigenous groups, such as Alaska Natives, who have been more successful in preserving their traditional cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on anti-poverty policy. With respect to anti-poverty policy, two major positions have emerged-one emphasizing a structural approach, the other an aggregative approach. These positions are not mutually exclusive, their difference being a question of relative emphasis. Both hold that there is some link between the rate of economic growth and the rate at which poverty incidence is reduced. The essential point of departure between the two points of view lies with the strength of this linkage: the structural position holding that, although economic growth opens up possibilities to escape poverty, a substantial proportion of the poor are not able to exploit these opportunities and are thus left behind in a poverty backwash. In short, the crucial distinction between the two theses is disagreement over the effect of economic growth in reducing poverty incidence. The higher levels of poverty incidence among minority families indicates, of course, that family poverty is relatively more concentrated among these groups and is what one would expect to be likely.