11.4 Native American Political Activism
5 min read•july 31, 2024
Native American political activism has been a powerful force for change, from the of the 1960s to today's grassroots organizing. These efforts have addressed issues like treaty rights, , and , 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
- (AIM) and (NIYC) advanced Native rights and sovereignty
- occupation (1969-1971) drew national attention to indigenous issues
- (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
- in Pacific Northwest to assert treaty fishing rights
- Occupation of offices in Washington D.C. (1972)
Contemporary Grassroots Organizing
- Focus shifted to environmental justice, cultural preservation, and economic development
- Protection of sacred sites (, )
- Revitalization of traditional languages and practices
- Social media and digital platforms mobilize support and raise awareness
- Hashtag campaigns (#, #)
- Online petitions and crowdfunding for indigenous causes
- (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 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
- (NARF) provides legal assistance
- Tribal attorneys argue cases before Supreme Court
- Litigation asserts treaty rights and protects tribal sovereignty
- (1974) upheld treaty fishing rights
- (1832) established principle of tribal sovereignty
- Cultural revitalization strengthens Native American identity
- (Navajo, Hawaiian)
- Revival of traditional ceremonies and practices
Media Engagement and Coalition Building
- Media campaigns counter stereotypes and increase public awareness
- Documentaries ()
- Native-produced media outlets ()
- Public education initiatives promote understanding of Native issues
- 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
- (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
- (USET) represents 33 tribes
- (ATNI) addresses regional issues
- Pan-Indian movements foster shared identity among diverse nations
- National Indian Youth Council promotes unity across tribal lines
- celebrate shared cultural elements
- Intertribal coalitions coordinate responses to shared challenges
- addresses water rights issues
- 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
- advocates at UN level
- shapes global policy
- Intertribal economic partnerships enhance financial and political leverage
- in the Pacific Northwest
- provides financial services across Indian Country
- Collaborative cultural preservation strengthens identity across tribes
- Inter-tribal seed banks preserve traditional crop varieties
Impact of Native American Activism
Policy Changes and Legislative Achievements
- (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
- (2013) allowed tribal prosecution of non-Native offenders
- (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
Key Terms to Review (36)
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians: The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians is an organization that represents various Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on promoting their political, social, and economic interests. This organization serves as a collective voice for its member tribes, helping to address issues such as sovereignty, land rights, and self-determination, which are crucial in the context of Native American political activism.
Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz Island is a small island located in San Francisco Bay, famous for its historical significance as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963. It became a symbol of Native American political activism when, in 1969, a group of Native American activists occupied the island to assert their rights and call attention to issues facing indigenous peoples.
American Indian Movement: The American Indian Movement (AIM) is a grassroots organization founded in 1968 to advocate for the rights of Native Americans, focusing on issues such as sovereignty, treaty rights, and social justice. AIM emerged during a time of increasing awareness and activism surrounding civil rights and Indigenous issues, and it played a crucial role in reshaping policies related to self-determination and governance.
Black Hills: The Black Hills is a mountain range in South Dakota and Wyoming, sacred to the Lakota Sioux people and historically significant due to its rich resources and cultural heritage. The area became a focal point of conflict following the discovery of gold in 1874, leading to broken treaties and a series of legal disputes that have continued into modern times, highlighting the complex history of treaty-making and Native American political activism.
Bureau of Indian Affairs: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is a federal agency within the United States Department of the Interior that manages relationships between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. Its primary responsibilities include providing services to tribes, facilitating federal recognition processes, and overseeing matters related to tribal self-determination and governance.
Cultural Preservation: Cultural preservation refers to the efforts and practices aimed at protecting and maintaining the cultural heritage, traditions, and identities of a community, particularly among Indigenous peoples. This term emphasizes the importance of safeguarding languages, customs, rituals, and historical sites from erasure or degradation caused by external influences, colonization, and modernization.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This concept highlights the disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards on marginalized communities and seeks to address systemic inequalities that result in these injustices.
Fish-ins: Fish-ins were direct action protests conducted by Native American activists in the 1960s and 1970s to assert their fishing rights and sovereignty over traditional fishing grounds. These events aimed to challenge state regulations that restricted Native fishing, highlighting issues of treaty rights and self-determination. The fish-ins were not only about fishing; they represented a broader struggle for recognition and respect for Native American rights and cultural heritage.
Idlenomore: Idle No More is a grassroots movement that began in Canada in late 2012, aimed at raising awareness about Indigenous rights, environmental issues, and social justice. It emerged as a response to government policies that negatively affected Indigenous communities, particularly concerning land and resource management. This movement has emphasized the importance of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination while encouraging solidarity among Indigenous peoples and their allies.
Indian Child Welfare Act: The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law enacted in 1978 to protect the best interests of Native American children and promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families. The act establishes standards for the removal of Native American children from their families and prioritizes the placement of these children within their extended families, tribes, or other Native American homes. ICWA seeks to address the historical trauma caused by the disproportionate removal of Native children from their families and to affirm the importance of tribal sovereignty in child welfare cases.
Indian Country Today: Indian Country Today is a contemporary media outlet that focuses on Native American news, culture, and issues affecting Indigenous communities across North America. It serves as a vital platform for Native voices, providing coverage of political activism, cultural events, and social challenges faced by Indigenous peoples today.
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act: The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, enacted in 1975, empowers Native American tribes to take control of their own education and social services by allowing them to enter into contracts with the federal government. This act marks a significant shift towards self-governance and reflects the recognition of tribal sovereignty, enabling tribes to tailor programs to better meet their unique cultural and community needs.
Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council: The Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council (ITBC) is an organization founded in 1990 that aims to restore and promote the cultural, economic, and environmental significance of buffalo to Native American tribes. By focusing on buffalo restoration efforts, the ITBC fosters inter-tribal cooperation and supports tribal sovereignty and self-determination. It plays a critical role in reviving traditional practices related to buffalo hunting and usage, which are essential to many Native American cultures.
Inter-tribal powwows: Inter-tribal powwows are gatherings of Native American tribes where members come together to celebrate their cultures through traditional dances, music, art, and storytelling. These events foster a sense of unity among different tribes while also providing a platform for cultural expression and political activism, particularly in the context of Native American rights and identity.
Inter-tribal timber enterprises: Inter-tribal timber enterprises refer to collaborative efforts among different Native American tribes to manage, harvest, and sell timber resources. These enterprises aim to maximize economic benefits while preserving cultural values and promoting sustainable practices. This cooperative approach fosters political activism as tribes unite for shared interests in land management and resource rights.
International Indian Treaty Council: The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) is an advocacy organization founded in 1974 that focuses on the rights of Indigenous peoples in relation to treaties and international law. It emerged during a time of significant Native American political activism, aiming to provide a platform for Indigenous nations to assert their rights and engage in diplomacy on the global stage. The IITC emphasizes the importance of treaties as living documents that uphold the sovereignty of Indigenous nations and their inherent rights, connecting Indigenous struggles with broader global movements for social justice and human rights.
Language immersion programs: Language immersion programs are educational approaches where students are placed in an environment where they are surrounded by a second language, leading to enhanced language acquisition and cultural understanding. These programs often prioritize teaching in the target language across various subjects, fostering not only linguistic skills but also a deep connection to cultural identity, which is vital in the context of Native American communities striving for revitalization and preservation.
National Congress of American Indians: The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest and largest advocacy organization representing Native American tribes and their interests in the United States. Founded in 1944, it plays a crucial role in addressing issues affecting tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the protection of treaty rights, while promoting the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples across various legal and political arenas.
National Indian Youth Council: The National Indian Youth Council (NIYC) is an organization founded in 1961 aimed at empowering Native American youth through political activism and community engagement. It was formed in response to the increasing marginalization of Indigenous voices in the political landscape and serves as a platform for young Native Americans to advocate for their rights and interests.
National Native American Languages Preservation Summit: The National Native American Languages Preservation Summit is a gathering focused on the revitalization and preservation of Native American languages. This event highlights the critical importance of language as a key aspect of cultural identity and heritage for Native American communities, bringing together tribal leaders, linguists, educators, and policymakers to discuss strategies and initiatives aimed at maintaining and promoting these languages.
Native American Bank: A Native American Bank is a financial institution that is specifically designed to serve the banking needs of Native American tribes and their members. These banks often focus on providing access to credit, loans, and other financial services to communities that have historically faced barriers in accessing mainstream banking due to systemic issues. They play a crucial role in promoting economic development, financial literacy, and self-sufficiency within Native American communities.
Native American Heritage Month: Native American Heritage Month is a time designated in November to celebrate and recognize the rich culture, history, and contributions of Native Americans in the United States. This month serves to raise awareness about the diverse tribes and their histories, as well as to honor their enduring influence and struggles, including the significant political activism that has shaped their rights and recognition over the years.
Native American Rights Fund: The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1970 to provide legal assistance and representation to Native American tribes and individuals. It plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples, particularly in areas such as land use, cultural preservation, and self-determination, helping to shape laws and policies that affect Native communities.
Native American Water Association: The Native American Water Association (NAWA) is an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the water rights and interests of Native American tribes across the United States. It plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that support tribal sovereignty and environmental sustainability, connecting Native communities to resources that ensure access to safe and clean water.
NODAPL: NODAPL stands for 'No Dakota Access Pipeline,' a grassroots movement that emerged in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline project, which aimed to transport crude oil through sacred Native American lands and near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. This movement symbolizes the intersection of environmental activism and Native American rights, highlighting the struggles against corporate interests and government policies that disregard Indigenous sovereignty and land rights.
Oak Flat: Oak Flat is a sacred site located in Arizona, traditionally significant to several Native American tribes, particularly the San Carlos Apache. It has become a focal point in the fight against mining operations that threaten to destroy the area, representing broader themes of indigenous rights and environmental activism. The battle over Oak Flat highlights the ongoing struggles of Native Americans to protect their sacred lands and assert their sovereignty against corporate interests and government policies.
Red Power Movement: The Red Power Movement was a political and cultural movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for the rights and sovereignty of Native American people in the United States. It was characterized by a push for self-determination, social justice, and the revitalization of indigenous cultures, connecting deeply with issues like tribal sovereignty and political activism. This movement sought to address historical injustices, promote voting rights, and dismantle barriers to political participation that Native Americans faced.
Rumble: the indians who rocked the world: Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World is a documentary that highlights the significant contributions of Native American musicians to the broader landscape of American music, particularly rock and roll. It reveals how these artists have shaped and influenced various genres while often remaining underrecognized in mainstream narratives. This term emphasizes the cultural and political activism rooted in Native American communities, showcasing how music has served as a powerful tool for expression and change.
Standing Rock Protests: The Standing Rock protests were a series of demonstrations that took place primarily in 2016-2017 against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which aimed to transport crude oil through sacred Native American land and under the Missouri River. These protests highlighted issues of environmental justice, indigenous rights, and the violation of treaties, sparking national and international attention on the struggles of Native American communities.
Tribal Law and Order Act: The Tribal Law and Order Act is a federal law enacted in 2010 to improve the criminal justice system in Indian Country, enhancing tribal authority to prosecute crimes and aiming to address the high rates of violence and crime faced by Native American communities. This law strengthens tribal sovereignty by giving tribes greater jurisdiction and resources to handle criminal offenses, while also promoting collaboration between tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.
United South and Eastern Tribes: The United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) is an intertribal organization formed in 1968 to promote the interests and sovereignty of Native American tribes located primarily in the southeastern United States. USET works to address issues such as tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic development while fostering unity among its member tribes. Through advocacy and collaboration, USET plays a crucial role in the political activism of Native American communities.
United States v. Washington: United States v. Washington is a landmark court case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1974 that clarified the scope of treaty rights for Native American tribes, specifically concerning fishing rights in Washington state. The ruling reinforced the idea that treaties signed with tribes are to be honored, thereby highlighting the legal obligations of states and federal entities toward Native American sovereignty and treaty rights.
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act: The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act is a U.S. federal law designed to address and prevent violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This legislation aims to provide crucial resources and support for victims while also enhancing the ability of law enforcement and community organizations to address these issues effectively. The Act has evolved over the years to include provisions that specifically support Native American communities, recognizing the unique challenges they face in combating violence against women.
Worcester v. Georgia: Worcester v. Georgia was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1832 that determined the state of Georgia could not impose its laws within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation, highlighting the federal government's authority in matters involving Native American tribes. This case underscored the legal complexities of treaty-making and the historical context surrounding Native American sovereignty, which remains significant in understanding contemporary legal relations and responsibilities between the federal government and tribal nations.
World Conference on Indigenous Peoples: The World Conference on Indigenous Peoples is a high-level plenary meeting held by the United Nations to discuss and promote the rights of indigenous peoples globally. This conference serves as a platform for indigenous leaders, governments, and civil society organizations to come together, share experiences, and propose measures for enhancing the well-being of indigenous communities. It plays a crucial role in advancing the political activism of Native American groups and ensuring their voices are heard on the international stage.
Wounded Knee Occupation: The Wounded Knee Occupation was a 71-day standoff between members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and federal law enforcement that began on February 27, 1973, at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. It was a pivotal event in Native American political activism, highlighting issues of treaty rights, sovereignty, and the treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government.