One of the driving forces behind the reservation system was that Indians were too ignorant to look after their own affairs. This is evident through early attempts at gaining land title before the Dept. of Interior stepped in. One land speculator attempted to gain title to the land I'm sitting on by getting essentially a quitclaim deed from the wife of the guy that perfected the tree claim. In trade for something of trivial value you can bet. So actually maintaining the reservation system is a gross insult. But how do you change it with so many people, particularly the seniors and (too) young mothers dependent on the services? Makes the Gordian Knot look like child's play. Remember you would be changing an ancient culture to fit into a European model. Very different values.
And then there's the evil white man/noble savage crowd to appease.
