In 1921, the Snyder Act took place, which required scheduled health care to Native American people by the federal government. However, the efforts of this act helped minimally due to the inability to recognize specific Native American health needs. Despite attempts made by the federal government, Native American health care remained insufficient. This lead to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) decision of closing down Native American health facilities and transferring that health care to state hospitals. This decision was supported by the idea that it would be less expensive and allow the Native American population to remain closer to their homes. However to many this decision seemed to be in favor of eradicating Indian reservations. The sparse government involvement seemed to wreak havoc on Native American population by terminating the advancement of health care. In 1988, the Indian Health Service (IHS) was elevated to agency status, acquiring main responsibility for Native American health care (Native American Health Care). In 2003, the the government gave $2.5 billion to IHS, however this was still $1.8 billion dollars short of what was needed to help Native American health …show more content…
Traditionally, Native Americans believe that health “is a balance of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional concepts”, a balance that is not recognized in modern medicine (Health Disparities Between Indians and Non-Indians). This leaves people to speculate that Native Americans reject the idea and will not use modernized medicine, also meaning they don’t need as much funding as other health services need. The failure of health care facilities that are overseen by the IHS allows speculation of the Native American population rejecting modernized health care. The stereotype that Native American’s reject to modern ways of life is reflected in the government’s involvement for health care. It is not the Native American population rejecting modernized medicine but them being forced to look elsewhere for health care because of an overall inadequate health care