Indigenous Issues

Nicole Trivison

Professor John Sweeney

POLS 385

October 3, 2013

Indigenous Issues

          Issues concerning Indigenous People’s rights in America is one that began hundreds of years ago and continues today. Since the first explorers came to these lands Native people have lived their lives in a constant battle against oppression. My Lego man protests this inequality; supporting Indigenous people’s struggle to gain better rights, resources, respect, and recognition.

With his parka and fishing pole my Lego protester represents an Alaskan Native, who’s sign asks the question “What ever happened to first come first serve?” This addresses the issue that even though they are the true owners, Indigenous people continue to be served last in terms of rights and resources. Before we can solve this issue we as citizens of the United States must realize that explorers such as Columbus, Cook, Lewis, and Clark did not “discover” any land; they simply paid a visit to other nations. Indigenous people such as Hawaiians, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives had been thriving in their lands for thousands of years before “white man discovered” and colonized. Recognition of this fact would not only bring condolence to Native people but support better rights and access to resources for them.

            The fact that my Lego Protester is holding a fishing pole shows the strong tie that several Indigenous people have with the land. Many believe that this is a mutual and sacred bond; and that you must take care of the land and it will take care of you. Unfortunately most have been forced off of their lands because they can not afford it and they now live in urban city settings. Not only does this lead to higher rates of substance abuse, homelessness, alcoholism, and incarceration; but the distance from nature puts a strain on their cultural values. Many blame their lifestyles on poor choices made on individual levels but the root of the problem is in fact the structure of society itself.

            There may be programs such as Native American Reservations and Kamehameha Schools that benefit Indigenous people but they prove insufficient in solving the problem. Government programs such as these benefit heritage on things such as blood quantum rules. This forces Natives to define themselves by what they are instead of who they are. With a closer look many programs such as these also bring more harm then good with time.

 It may not be as prominent as it once was but the process of colonization continues to press upon Indigenous people today. Beginning to recognize the inadequate rights Native people currently receive is one of the only ways to save many cultures and heritages we all know and love before it is too late.