11.4 Contemporary Native American activism and social justice movements

Native American activism has evolved to address contemporary issues. From environmental protection to sovereignty, Indigenous people fight for their rights and land. These movements blend traditional knowledge with modern tactics, creating powerful calls for justice.

Social issues like violence against Indigenous women and cultural appropriation in sports mascots remain critical. Native activists use social media, protests, and policy advocacy to raise awareness and push for change, continuing the legacy of Indigenous resistance.

Indigenous Environmental Activism

Standing Rock Sioux Protest and Dakota Access Pipeline

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• Standing Rock Sioux Tribe led massive protests against Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016-2017
• Dakota Access Pipeline threatened sacred sites and water supply of Standing Rock Reservation
• Protesters called themselves "water protectors" emphasizing environmental stewardship
• Thousands of Native and non-Native supporters joined camps near pipeline construction
• Protest tactics included prayer ceremonies, direct action, and legal challenges
• Law enforcement responded with militarized tactics (water cannons, rubber bullets, tear gas)
• Obama administration halted pipeline construction in December 2016
• Trump administration reversed decision, allowing pipeline completion in 2017
• Standing Rock protest became symbol of Indigenous resistance and environmental justice

Climate Justice and Indigenous Environmental Activism

• Indigenous communities often disproportionately affected by climate change impacts
• Native activists emphasize traditional ecological knowledge in addressing environmental issues
• Climate justice movement links environmental concerns with social and economic equity
• Indigenous Environmental Network coordinates Native environmental activism across North America
• Native activists participate in global climate conferences and negotiations
• Tribal nations develop climate adaptation plans incorporating traditional practices
• Indigenous-led renewable energy projects emerge as alternatives to fossil fuel development
• Native youth play significant role in environmental activism (Youth Climate Intervenors)

Indigenous Sovereignty Movements

Idle No More Movement

• Idle No More began in Canada in 2012 as grassroots movement for Indigenous rights
• Sparked by Canadian government's omnibus budget bill C-45 threatening Indigenous treaty rights
• Movement quickly spread across Canada and into United States
• Utilized social media to organize protests, teach-ins, and flash mobs
• Focused on protecting land and water rights, and asserting tribal sovereignty
• Employed round dances in public spaces as form of peaceful protest
• Brought international attention to Indigenous issues in North America
• Revitalized Indigenous activism and inspired new generation of Native leaders
• Continues to advocate for Indigenous rights and decolonization efforts

Land Back Movement

• Land Back calls for return of ancestral lands to Indigenous control
• Movement gained prominence in 2020 but rooted in long history of Indigenous land reclamation
• Advocates for legal return of public lands to tribal nations
• Emphasizes restoration of Indigenous land stewardship practices
• Challenges colonial property concepts and emphasizes Indigenous relationships to land
• Includes efforts to remove racist monuments and rename geographic features
• Promotes Indigenous-led conservation efforts and co-management of public lands
• Connects land rights to broader issues of cultural preservation and self-determination
• Utilizes social media campaigns and direct action to raise awareness

Contemporary Social Issues

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Crisis

• MMIW refers to disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls
• Crisis affects both United States and Canada, with thousands of cases unreported or uninvestigated
• Factors contributing to crisis include jurisdictional issues, systemic racism, and lack of resources
• Grassroots organizations lead efforts to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes
• Red dress symbol used to represent missing and murdered Indigenous women
• May 5th recognized as National Day of Awareness for MMIW in United States
• Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act passed in 2020 to address MMIW crisis
• Tribal nations develop their own databases and search teams to address missing persons cases
• Movement connects violence against Indigenous women to broader issues of colonialism and sovereignty

Native American Mascot Controversy

• Long-standing debate over use of Native American imagery and names in sports teams
• Critics argue mascots perpetuate harmful stereotypes and cultural appropriation
• Supporters claim mascots honor Native American heritage and traditions
• National Congress of American Indians leads efforts to retire Native mascots since 1968
• Washington Football Team retired "Redskins" name and logo in 2020 after decades of protest
• Cleveland baseball team announced retirement of "Indians" name in 2020, effective 2022
• NCAA banned use of hostile or abusive Native American mascots in postseason play in 2005
• State-level legislation introduced to ban Native mascots in public schools
• Debate extends beyond sports to commercial products and cultural representations
• Native activists emphasize importance of self-representation and accurate cultural education