INDIAN LAW TODAY COMPARED TO 1929
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The idea of Indian law and payment for breaking it is still prevalent. As many Indians have fought legal battles to retain religious and sovereign rights, the idea of Indian law has evolved. In
earlier times it was understood by everyone as an internalized code of behavior used to settle disputes and make compensation. Now it is more often thought of as adversarial to local, state,
and government law. Nevertheless ideas of Indian law are closely tied to Indian world views about the balance between humans and nature, and between humans and the spiritual world.
Breaking Indian law was frequently cited by weavers interviewed by O’Neale about weaving practices. Today weavers are more frequently concerned about disrespect for plants, lack of Indian
control of lands, and how to restore balance and harmony in the weaver’s world. In 1929 breaking Indian law was frequently thought of as bringing bad luck to a weaver, so she might not be
able to sell her basket or find good materials. Weavers of recent generations speak more frequently about the spiritual values of weaving. Renewing one’s spiritual relation with nature,
tradition, and one’s Indian identity are often felt to be lost in contemporary life. The older generations now in their seventies and eighties were powerfully influenced by growing up speaking
an Indian language, attending Indian school, facing powerful prejudices, and trying to reconcile Christianity with Indian religion.
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