Final answer:
Native Americans are unique among U.S. minority groups as they are indigenous to the region, with sovereign rights and treaties with the government, and faced historical injustices like delayed citizenship and land dispossession.
Step-by-step explanation:
Native Americans are unique as a subordinate group in the United States primarily because they are the only group that is indigenous to the United States. Unlike other minority groups, they did not immigrate but were present before the colonization by Europeans. This foundational status has led to unique legal and social relationships with the US government, including treaties and sovereign rights that are distinct from those of other minority groups.
Historically, Native Americans have experienced widespread poverty, high unemployment, and lower education attainment compared to other ethnic groups in the U.S., However, Native Americans also have fought for their rights and identity throughout history, exemplified by the establishment of the National Congress of American Indians and the Indian Reorganization Act, which aimed to allow for collective ownership of lands and autonomy in tribal governance.
Moreover, Native Americans were not granted full U.S. citizenship rights until the Nationality Act of 1940, which was after other minorities like African Americans and white women. Additionally, these communities continue to face challenges today in terms of education, employment, and health disparities compared to other U.S. ethnic groups.