Pondering

I have watch Thunderheart times and I am still pondering on what character William Dawes said. He said “Helping people caught in the illusion in the past come to terms with the realities of the present.” This statement both me, I wonder way can’t these people have the past. It is like William was saying that these people can’t hold on to there culture and tradition. For me it is the same concept as the Amish people and know one tries to make them come to turns with the present.