vendredi 31 janvier 2014

The Variety Of Native American Organizations In The USA

By Eliza Mendoza


Think of any cause, whether it's a socio-political issue or support for a certain celebrity, and you'll find some kind of organization that supports it or tries to raise awareness of it. This is the case throughout the USA. Some groups are organized according to a specific background too, for instance according to their religion or their gender identity. For example, you will find a huge variety of Native American organizations in the USA.

The last US census showed that Native Americans are now a small minority in the country that they've been inhabiting for centuries. Most are American Indians but the group also includes tribes indigenous to Hawaii and Alaska. Contrary to popular belief, the majority o not live in reservations but in cities where they may have to deal with various issues because of their ethnicity.

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.

Red Nations people have been representing their heritage through their professions but often find that they still need the support of like-minded colleagues. Professional associations for indigenous people include groups for lawyers, business leaders, artists, writers, journalists and even cowboys on the rodeo circuit. They nurture younger talent and help their members. Other groups that provide support and assistance to their members are associations for war veterans.

For various reasons, problems like poverty, violence, crime and drug and alcohol abuse are rife among the Native population. Many groups try to address these issues, for instance through the use of college funds or literacy programs that will provide more marketable skills and improve people's socio-economic circumstances. Groups like the Indian Health Service work with specific health issues such as diabetes, which is also prevalent among those of indigenous extraction.

Environmental issues are also represented. Some organizations work for the protection of the environment in general. An example is the Indigenous Environmental Network. However, there are also activist groups who work for a particular environmental cause, such as proposed mining on their tribal land and how this will affect the community and the environment.

Searching online is one way to find Native American organizations in the United States. Another is to look in magazines like the Native Peoples Magazine or newspapers like the Navajo Times. With so many groups working for such a variety of causes, you're sure to find one that's just right for you.




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