A few years ago, I was fortunate to be invited to a Canadian Mi'kmaq community. I recall wise words of the spirital leader:
"A problem with white mans society is the concept of ownership. This concept did not exist in most Native North American societies. Most had and have social or "cooperative" societies. People would be much happier if they recognize that they do not own their wives, nor their children, nor their land....they are only respectfully taking care of them for the next person, and the next life phase. Native people who have tried to live in white mans society have often seen frustration, as they try to take on the concept of ownership. It has led to many social and personal problems. Once they return to living the Native American way, with shared community values and respect for the elders, and with Native spirituality, they have often been relieved of this frustration."