"Before, Indian people had been so defeated, they were always looking for outsiders, for the government, to somehow come in and fix things. But now, they seem to realize that they're the only ones who can save themselves"

This quote by James Welch speaks with the shift in attitude amongst Indigenous people in North America. Before, Indigenous people had actually been so oppressed and defeated by colonization that they had become depending on outsiders, such as the government, to come in and repair their issues. Nevertheless, over the last few years, Indigenous people have pertained to recognize that they are the only ones who can conserve themselves. This shift in attitude has been seen in the resurgence of Indigenous culture, language, and traditions, in addition to the increased activism and advocacy for Indigenous rights. This quote speaks to the power of Indigenous individuals to take control of their own destiny and to develop a better future for themselves and their communities.