🌽Native American Studies Unit 12 – Native American Identity Today

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Sovereignty refers to the inherent right of Native American tribes to govern themselves and manage their internal affairs
  • Includes the power to determine membership, establish laws, and regulate economic activities within tribal lands
• Self-determination is the principle that Native American communities have the right to make decisions about their own future and governance
• Blood quantum is a controversial method used by some tribes and the federal government to determine tribal membership based on the percentage of Native American ancestry an individual possesses
• Cultural revitalization movements aim to preserve and promote traditional Native American languages, practices, and beliefs
  • Examples include language immersion programs, traditional arts and crafts workshops, and cultural festivals
• Pan-Indianism is a concept that emphasizes the shared experiences and solidarity among diverse Native American tribes and communities
• Tribal sovereignty is the legal recognition of a tribe's right to self-governance and the protection of this right by the federal government
• Indigenous identity refers to the complex and multifaceted ways in which Native American individuals and communities define and express their cultural, historical, and political identities

Historical Context

• Native American communities have experienced centuries of colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural suppression since the arrival of European settlers
  • Policies such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the Dawes Act of 1887 aimed to dispossess Native Americans of their lands and undermine tribal structures
• Boarding schools, such as the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, were established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to forcibly assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture
  • Children were often prohibited from speaking their native languages and practicing traditional customs
• The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 marked a shift in federal policy, aiming to restore tribal sovereignty and encourage self-governance
  • However, the act also imposed Western-style governance structures on many tribes
• The Termination Era of the 1950s and 1960s saw the federal government attempt to end its trust responsibilities to Native American tribes and dissolve tribal governments
  • This policy was met with strong resistance from Native American activists and leaders
• The American Indian Movement (AIM) emerged in the late 1960s as a prominent civil rights organization advocating for Native American rights and self-determination
  • AIM led high-profile protests, such as the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969 and the Wounded Knee incident in 1973

Contemporary Native American Demographics

• As of the 2020 U.S. Census, there are approximately 6.79 million individuals who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, either alone or in combination with other races
• Native Americans make up about 2.09% of the total U.S. population
• There are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States
  • Each tribe has its own unique history, culture, and government structure
• About 22% of Native Americans live on reservations or other trust lands, while the majority reside in urban areas
• Native American populations are younger on average compared to the overall U.S. population, with a median age of 31.3 years
• Educational attainment among Native Americans has increased in recent decades, but disparities persist compared to the general population
  • As of 2019, 86% of Native Americans age 25 and older had at least a high school diploma, and 20% had a bachelor's degree or higher

Cultural Identity and Preservation

• Native American communities have diverse cultural practices, languages, and belief systems that have been passed down through generations
• Language preservation is a critical aspect of maintaining cultural identity, as many Native American languages are endangered or have already been lost
  • Immersion schools and language revitalization programs aim to teach younger generations their ancestral languages
• Traditional arts and crafts, such as weaving, pottery, and beadwork, serve as important expressions of cultural identity and are often passed down through families and communities
• Ceremonies and festivals, such as powwows and seasonal celebrations, provide opportunities for Native American communities to gather, share cultural knowledge, and strengthen social bonds
  • These events often feature traditional music, dance, and food
• The preservation of sacred sites and landscapes is essential to maintaining the spiritual and cultural well-being of Native American communities
  • Many tribes are actively involved in protecting and advocating for the preservation of these sites

Legal and Political Status

• Native American tribes are recognized as sovereign entities by the U.S. federal government, with the right to self-governance and the management of internal affairs
  • This status is based on the government-to-government relationship established through treaties, legislation, and court decisions
• Tribal governments have the authority to create and enforce laws, establish courts, and provide services to their members
  • However, this authority is limited by federal law and is subject to congressional oversight
• Native American individuals are citizens of their respective tribes, as well as citizens of the United States, and are entitled to the rights and protections afforded by both
• The trust responsibility is a legal obligation of the federal government to protect tribal lands, resources, and the well-being of Native American communities
  • This responsibility arises from the historical treaties and agreements made between the U.S. government and Native American tribes
• Gaming and casino operations on tribal lands have become a significant source of economic development for many Native American communities since the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988
  • However, the distribution of gaming revenue and its impact on tribal communities remains a complex and sometimes controversial issue

Challenges Facing Native Communities

• Native American communities continue to face significant disparities in health, education, and economic outcomes compared to the general U.S. population
  • These disparities are rooted in the historical trauma and systemic inequalities experienced by Native American communities
• Access to quality healthcare is a persistent challenge, with many Native American communities experiencing higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and substance abuse
  • The Indian Health Service, a federal agency responsible for providing healthcare to Native Americans, has been chronically underfunded
• Educational attainment and access to quality education remain pressing issues for Native American youth
  • Many reservation schools struggle with inadequate funding, teacher shortages, and limited resources
• Economic development and job opportunities are limited in many Native American communities, contributing to high rates of poverty and unemployment
  • Efforts to promote sustainable economic growth, such as tribal enterprises and partnerships with outside businesses, have had mixed success
• Environmental issues, such as climate change, resource extraction, and pollution, disproportionately impact Native American communities and threaten traditional ways of life
  • Many tribes are actively engaged in efforts to protect their lands, water, and air from environmental degradation

Modern Native American Representation

• Native American representation in popular media, such as films, television shows, and literature, has historically been characterized by stereotypes and misrepresentations
  • However, there has been a growing movement to increase authentic Native American representation and storytelling in recent years
• Native American artists, writers, and filmmakers are creating works that showcase the diversity and complexity of Native American experiences and perspectives
  • Examples include the films "Smoke Signals" (1998) and "Songs My Brothers Taught Me" (2015), and the novels of Louise Erdrich and Tommy Orange
• Social media platforms have provided new opportunities for Native American individuals and communities to share their stories, art, and activism with a wider audience
  • Hashtags such as #NativeTwitter and #IndigenousTikTok have fostered vibrant online communities and conversations
• Native American journalists and media organizations, such as Indian Country Today and the Native American Journalists Association, play a crucial role in covering issues affecting Native American communities and providing a platform for Native voices
• Efforts to increase Native American representation in politics have led to historic firsts, such as the election of Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) as the first Native American Cabinet secretary in 2021
  • However, Native American representation in elected office remains disproportionately low at all levels of government

Future Perspectives and Movements

• Native American communities are actively working to address the challenges they face and to build a more equitable and sustainable future
• The revitalization of traditional knowledge and practices, such as ecological stewardship and community-based decision-making, is seen as key to addressing contemporary issues
  • For example, the Indigenous Peoples' Burning Network promotes the use of traditional fire management practices to restore ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk
• Native American youth are playing an increasingly important role in advocating for their communities and shaping the future of Native American identity and rights
  • Organizations such as the Center for Native American Youth and the Native Youth Leadership Alliance provide leadership development and advocacy opportunities for young people
• Efforts to strengthen tribal sovereignty and self-determination continue to be a central focus of Native American activism and policy
  • This includes advocating for the protection of tribal lands, the restoration of tribal jurisdiction, and the fulfillment of treaty obligations
• Collaborations between Native American communities, non-Native allies, and international Indigenous groups are growing, fostering solidarity and shared strategies for addressing common challenges
  • The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007, has provided a framework for advancing Indigenous rights globally
• As Native American communities continue to navigate the complex landscape of cultural identity, political status, and social change, the resilience and determination that have sustained them for generations remain a source of strength and hope for the future