Between 1830 and 1938 Eastern Native Americans, most living in the mid and southern United States, were forced off their land and made to move to Oklahoma. Many died along the way from disease, hunger, exposure, and out and out murder.
But lets look at 2 other scenarios:
1. The NA's were never forced off their lands and dealt with the state governments of those new areas who may or may not have respected the indians land rights that they signed with the federal government.
2. They were pushed off but the government did it with greater compassion. Providing more food, shelter, wagons, and allowed travel in safer times of the year.
How do you think each scenario would have affected the tribes today?
Personally I dont see #1 happening because the government at that time already had problems with states rights considering the issue of slavery and tariffs. The newly formed states in areas like Kentucky had no desire or incentive to protect the rights of people whom they didnt even recognize as Americans. However being the fact that even after removal some still refused to leave and therefore carved out there own niche which today would be an even bigger presence.
As for #2, I'm not sure. Less bitterness I'm sure later on.