Native Americans in both the US and Canada have been forced by "Americans" to assimilate into society. In the movie the Tightrope of Power, the Mohawk tribe of Canada are discovering ways to fight back. Elders are teaching the younger generation the native language and traditions. Many traditions of the Native American Indian cultures have been lost, sublimated or modified since the arrival of Europeans in North America hundreds of years ago. These tribal traditions represent a rich and varied cultural history. The Native Americans are masters of telling stories. They are one of the few peoples without any trouble in keeping the oral tradition alive. They use the oral tradition as a means of enlightening those who have not witnessed the past. The Native Americans carry it close to their hearts. The oral tradition is where their heroes are born. The passing down of their culture through the oral tradition helps to keep their autonomy, yet many Native Americans have abandoned the practice of oral tradition to adapt to modern times.
Education has been a primary tool in the cultural genocide, or "assimilation," of Native Americans throughout most of America's history. Although American educational policy has been more destructive to Native American culture at some points than others, its overall effect has been to dilute Native American culture almost beyond recognition with European values and beliefs. Many Native American homes no longer speak their native language; instead they use the English language. The Mohawk tribe wants to be included in society along with the French in Quebec and the English of Canada. Instead of being marginalized, and without losing their autonomy. The city government of Quebec wanted to enlarge their golf course by using some of Mohawk land. The Mohawk fought back by closing the bridge that connects the two areas in order to make them heard.
Society has witnessed a rebirth of Native American cultural ways.