The term, Indian Act, itself, may create the impression that it is an Indian owned document. Mechanisms such as the distribution of wealth, decision-making, and rights and responsibilities are universal. Some works relegate these to a seemingly unsophisticated, distant past. It should be apparent that traditional modes of livelihood persist into our time, and involve contemporary economic activities. Relationships to the land should be explained as part of a world order where collective ownership over private property has remained a viable option.
Some images erroneously portray a vast and sparsely populated wilderness.
The Bering Strait theory is one theory that new research and oral history challenges. The notion of an unimaginative approach to industry permeates some writings. A sense of chance and random development is implied where writers do not present an understanding of the spiritual and societal aspects of, for example, the pow-wow, the potlatch, and the vision quest. Writers may fail to acknowledge the complexity of treaty implementation and, thus, over-subscribe to concepts of racism or cultural differences. Use of Language Language is an integral part of any culture and reflects a society's attitudes and thinking.