11.4 Native American Political Activism

Native American political activism has been a powerful force for change, from the Red Power movement of the 1960s to today's grassroots organizing. These efforts have addressed issues like treaty rights, environmental justice, and cultural preservation, using tactics from direct action to social media campaigns.

Activism strategies include legal advocacy, media engagement, and coalition-building with non-Native allies. These approaches have led to policy changes, increased cultural recognition, and advancements in social justice. However, challenges persist in achieving full equality and recognition for Native communities.

Native American Political Activism

Red Power Movement and Early Activism

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• Red Power movement emerged in 1960s-1970s responding to centuries of Native American oppression
• American Indian Movement (AIM) and National Indian Youth Council (NIYC) advanced Native rights and sovereignty
• Alcatraz Island occupation (1969-1971) drew national attention to indigenous issues
• Wounded Knee Occupation (1973) galvanized resistance and highlighted treaty rights struggles
  • Lasted 71 days
  • Involved armed confrontation with federal agents
• Direct action tactics included sit-ins, occupations, and protest marches
  • Fish-ins in Pacific Northwest to assert treaty fishing rights
  • Occupation of Bureau of Indian Affairs offices in Washington D.C. (1972)

Contemporary Grassroots Organizing

• Focus shifted to environmental justice, cultural preservation, and economic development
  • Protection of sacred sites (Black Hills, Oak Flat)
  • Revitalization of traditional languages and practices
• Social media and digital platforms mobilize support and raise awareness
  • Hashtag campaigns (#NoDAPL, #IdleNoMore)
  • Online petitions and crowdfunding for indigenous causes
• Standing Rock protests (2016-2017) exemplified intersection of traditional and modern activism
  • Utilized social media to garner international support
  • Employed non-violent direct action tactics
• Legal advocacy challenges discriminatory laws and protects tribal sovereignty
  • McGirt v. Oklahoma (2020) reaffirmed Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation status
  • Efforts to enforce Indian Child Welfare Act provisions

Strategies for Native American Activism

Direct Action and Legal Advocacy

• Sit-ins, occupations, and protest marches draw attention to grievances
  • Occupation of Alcatraz Island (1969-1971)
  • March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963) included Native American participants
• Legal advocacy challenges discriminatory laws and policies
  • Native American Rights Fund (NARF) provides legal assistance
  • Tribal attorneys argue cases before Supreme Court
• Litigation asserts treaty rights and protects tribal sovereignty
  • United States v. Washington (1974) upheld treaty fishing rights
  • Worcester v. Georgia (1832) established principle of tribal sovereignty
• Cultural revitalization strengthens Native American identity
  • Language immersion programs (Navajo, Hawaiian)
  • Revival of traditional ceremonies and practices

Media Engagement and Coalition Building

• Media campaigns counter stereotypes and increase public awareness
  • Documentaries (Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World)
  • Native-produced media outlets (Indian Country Today)
• Public education initiatives promote understanding of Native issues
  • Native American Heritage Month events
  • Tribal museums and cultural centers
• Coalition-building with non-Native allies expands activism reach
  • Environmental groups in pipeline protests
  • Civil rights organizations in voting rights campaigns
• Alliances with other marginalized groups strengthen collective voice
  • Black-Indigenous solidarity movements
  • Collaborations with Latinx and Asian American activists

Political and Economic Strategies

• Lobbying at local, state, and federal levels influences legislation
  • Tribal leaders testify before Congressional committees
  • Native American state legislators advocate for indigenous issues
• Political participation increases Native representation in government
  • Election of Native American women to Congress (Deb Haaland, Sharice Davids)
  • Formation of Native American caucuses in state legislatures
• Economic strategies leverage power for political and social change
  • Boycotts of businesses that appropriate Native culture
  • Development of tribal enterprises (casinos, renewable energy projects)
• Tribal voting blocs influence election outcomes in key states
  • Native vote crucial in Alaska, Arizona, and New Mexico elections
  • Get-out-the-vote campaigns in Indian Country

Intertribal Coalitions for Influence

National and Regional Organizations

• National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) advocates for Native rights nationally
  • Founded in 1944, represents hundreds of tribes
  • Organizes annual conferences and policy initiatives
• Regional intertribal organizations strengthen collective bargaining power
  • United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) represents 33 tribes
  • Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) addresses regional issues
• Pan-Indian movements foster shared identity among diverse nations
  • National Indian Youth Council promotes unity across tribal lines
  • Inter-tribal powwows celebrate shared cultural elements
• Intertribal coalitions coordinate responses to shared challenges
  • Native American Water Association addresses water rights issues
  • Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council works to restore buffalo populations

Global Indigenous Alliances and Economic Partnerships

• Alliances with global indigenous peoples facilitate strategy exchange
  • Participation in United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
  • Collaborations with First Nations in Canada on border-crossing rights
• Global indigenous rights movement strengthened by intertribal efforts
  • International Indian Treaty Council advocates at UN level
  • World Conference on Indigenous Peoples shapes global policy
• Intertribal economic partnerships enhance financial and political leverage
  • Inter-tribal timber enterprises in the Pacific Northwest
  • Native American Bank provides financial services across Indian Country
• Collaborative cultural preservation strengthens identity across tribes
  • National Native American Languages Preservation Summit
  • Inter-tribal seed banks preserve traditional crop varieties

Impact of Native American Activism

Policy Changes and Legislative Achievements

• Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (1975) granted tribal control
  • Allowed tribes to contract federal programs
  • Increased tribal management of education and health services
• Indian Child Welfare Act (1978) protected Native families
  • Prioritized placement of Native children with Native families
  • Reduced rates of Native child removal from communities
• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990) safeguarded cultural heritage
  • Required federal agencies to return Native American cultural items
  • Established process for repatriation of human remains
• Expansion of tribal jurisdiction in certain legal matters
  • Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (2013) allowed tribal prosecution of non-Native offenders
  • Tribal Law and Order Act (2010) enhanced tribal court sentencing authority

Cultural Recognition and Social Justice Advancements

• Increased attention to cultural appropriation issues
  • Changes in sports team names (Washington Football Team)
  • Reforms in fashion industry regarding use of Native designs
• Growth of Native American Studies programs in universities
  • Establishment of dedicated departments and research centers
  • Incorporation of indigenous perspectives in various disciplines
• Inclusion of indigenous perspectives in educational curricula
  • State-mandated Native American history lessons (Montana, Washington)
  • Development of tribally-specific educational materials
• Environmental justice campaigns protect sacred sites and resources
  • Bears Ears National Monument designation
  • Halt of Keystone XL pipeline construction
• Improved visibility and representation in media and politics
  • Increase in Native American characters in film and television
  • Election of Native Americans to state and federal offices
• Ongoing challenges in achieving full equality and recognition
  • Persistent health and economic disparities
  • Continued threats to tribal sovereignty and land rights