Name any issue or cause and there is an organization that raises support for or awareness of it. Especially in the USA there is a huge variety of these groups for anything from minority rights to a certain celebrity's wardrobe. Often the members of a group will come from a similar background as well, such as being Jewish or of Irish ancestry. There is also a huge array of Native American organizations active in America.
Currently less than 2 percent of Americans identify themselves as Native American. They can be of the tribes often referred to as Indians or they can be indigenous Alaskans or Hawaiians too. Most Indians live outside of reservation land but whether they live on their tribal lands or in the cities, they face a number of issues simply because of their ancestry.
One huge problem that Native Americans face is the stereotypes about them as a people. Hollywood movies have at various times portrayed them as the fierce and cruel warrior, the noble savage, the drunk or the comical sidekick. The reality is that even though these characters certainly do exist, so do many other types of people of indigenous ancestry. There are several activist groups that not only challenge these stereotypes but also try to educate people about the descendants of America's original inhabitants.
Another focus for many groups is the fight against discrimination. They fight for indigenous rights and political representation. Some groups also concentrate on promoting their tribal culture and traditions.
A great way for people of indigenous descent to challenge stereotypes and to educate others about their culture is through their daily work. Musicians, artists, journalists, lawyers and even rodeo cowboys are some of the groups that have their own professional organizations. Some help develop new talent while others, such as war veterans' associations, help those who have already paid their dues to society.
Groups such as professional or veterans' associations are one way of helping to combat socio-economic problems such as substance abuse, crime and violence that go together with poverty. However, there are also groups that focus specifically on these issues. Health is another issue that needs addressing and some of the health problems rife among indigenous populations are completely preventable. Groups like the Indian Health Service try to deal with these.
The environment is of concern to everyone, including the Red Nations. An organization like the Indigenous Environmental Network addresses environmental issues that affect everyone. Especially on tribal lands you'll also find grassroots activists who work with a cause particular to that community, such as plans for mining, drilling or developing their land and how these plans will impact on the land.
With the huge variety of Native American organizations in the USA, it's not difficult to find one that is suited to your interests. An online search is a good place to start. Otherwise, you'll find information in publications like newspapers or magazines such as Native Peoples Magazine, aimed at people of indigenous extraction.
Currently less than 2 percent of Americans identify themselves as Native American. They can be of the tribes often referred to as Indians or they can be indigenous Alaskans or Hawaiians too. Most Indians live outside of reservation land but whether they live on their tribal lands or in the cities, they face a number of issues simply because of their ancestry.
One huge problem that Native Americans face is the stereotypes about them as a people. Hollywood movies have at various times portrayed them as the fierce and cruel warrior, the noble savage, the drunk or the comical sidekick. The reality is that even though these characters certainly do exist, so do many other types of people of indigenous ancestry. There are several activist groups that not only challenge these stereotypes but also try to educate people about the descendants of America's original inhabitants.
Another focus for many groups is the fight against discrimination. They fight for indigenous rights and political representation. Some groups also concentrate on promoting their tribal culture and traditions.
A great way for people of indigenous descent to challenge stereotypes and to educate others about their culture is through their daily work. Musicians, artists, journalists, lawyers and even rodeo cowboys are some of the groups that have their own professional organizations. Some help develop new talent while others, such as war veterans' associations, help those who have already paid their dues to society.
Groups such as professional or veterans' associations are one way of helping to combat socio-economic problems such as substance abuse, crime and violence that go together with poverty. However, there are also groups that focus specifically on these issues. Health is another issue that needs addressing and some of the health problems rife among indigenous populations are completely preventable. Groups like the Indian Health Service try to deal with these.
The environment is of concern to everyone, including the Red Nations. An organization like the Indigenous Environmental Network addresses environmental issues that affect everyone. Especially on tribal lands you'll also find grassroots activists who work with a cause particular to that community, such as plans for mining, drilling or developing their land and how these plans will impact on the land.
With the huge variety of Native American organizations in the USA, it's not difficult to find one that is suited to your interests. An online search is a good place to start. Otherwise, you'll find information in publications like newspapers or magazines such as Native Peoples Magazine, aimed at people of indigenous extraction.
About the Author:
You can visit www.nationalallianceofnativeamericanslonghouse.com for more helpful information about The Many Native American Organizations In The United States.
No comments:
Post a Comment