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Intro to Native American Studies
Table of Contents
Unit 13 Overview: Native Identity and Cultural Preservation
13.1 Complexities of Native American identity in the modern world
13.2 Urban Native American experiences
13.3 Cultural preservation and revitalization efforts
13.4 Challenges of cultural appropriation and misrepresentation

Urban Native Americans face unique challenges as they navigate life in cities. Relocation programs promised opportunities but led to cultural disconnection, poverty, and health disparities. Many struggled with identity, education, and social adaptation in unfamiliar urban environments.

In response, urban Native communities built support networks. Indian centers, pan-Indian identities, and Native organizations emerged to preserve culture, provide services, and advocate for urban Native rights. These efforts help maintain connections to heritage while adapting to city life.

Urban Relocation and Its Challenges

Relocation Program and Cultural Disconnection

  • Urban relocation program initiated by Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1952 encouraged Native Americans to move from reservations to cities
  • Program promised job training, housing assistance, and better economic opportunities in urban areas
  • Relocation led to significant cultural disconnection as Native Americans struggled to maintain traditional practices in urban settings
  • Loss of connection to ancestral lands and tribal communities resulted in feelings of isolation and identity crisis
  • Language barriers emerged as Native languages became less commonly used in urban environments
  • Traditional ceremonies and rituals became more difficult to practice due to lack of space and resources in cities

Socioeconomic Challenges in Urban Settings

  • Urban poverty disproportionately affected relocated Native Americans due to lack of job skills and discrimination
  • Many Native Americans found themselves in low-wage jobs with limited opportunities for advancement
  • Inadequate housing conditions persisted despite promises of improved living situations
  • Health disparities widened as Native Americans faced limited access to culturally competent healthcare services
  • Higher rates of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease) observed among urban Native populations
  • Mental health issues, including depression and substance abuse, increased due to stress of urban life and cultural dislocation

Educational and Social Adaptation Difficulties

  • Educational challenges arose as Native American students struggled to adapt to urban school systems
  • Cultural differences and stereotypes led to misunderstandings between Native students and non-Native educators
  • Lack of culturally relevant curriculum contributed to lower academic performance and higher dropout rates
  • Social adaptation difficulties included navigating unfamiliar social norms and expectations in urban environments
  • Discrimination and racism in schools and workplaces further complicated the integration process
  • Intergenerational trauma from forced relocation and historical injustices impacted family dynamics and child-rearing practices

Urban Native Community Building

Development of Urban Indian Centers

  • Urban Indian centers emerged as crucial hubs for Native Americans in cities
  • Centers provided cultural programs, social services, and community gathering spaces
  • Offered language classes, traditional arts workshops, and cultural events to maintain connection to Native heritage
  • Served as information centers for job opportunities, housing assistance, and educational resources
  • Provided healthcare services tailored to the specific needs of urban Native populations
  • Acted as advocacy organizations to address issues facing urban Native communities

Formation of Pan-Indian Identity

  • Pan-Indian identity developed as a response to the diverse tribal backgrounds of urban Native Americans
  • Emphasized shared Native American experiences and values across different tribal affiliations
  • Powwows became important events for expressing and celebrating pan-Indian identity in urban settings
  • Native American Church gained prominence as a pan-Indian spiritual movement in cities
  • Pan-Indian identity fostered solidarity and collective action among urban Native Americans
  • Helped preserve Native culture while adapting to urban life through shared practices and beliefs

Establishment of Urban Native Organizations

  • Urban Native organizations formed to address specific needs of city-dwelling Native Americans
  • National Urban Indian Family Coalition advocated for policies benefiting urban Native families
  • Native American Rights Fund provided legal assistance and advocacy for Native American issues
  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society promoted STEM education and careers for Native youth
  • National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition addressed the legacy of boarding schools
  • These organizations collaborated to create support networks and amplify Native voices in urban areas
  • Worked to bridge gaps between urban and reservation-based Native communities through outreach programs

Key Terms to Review (33)

Vine Deloria Jr.: Vine Deloria Jr. was a prominent Native American author, activist, and scholar known for his influential works that addressed the rights and identities of Indigenous peoples in the United States. His writings challenged prevailing narratives about Native Americans and offered a critical perspective on civil rights, historical trauma, urban experiences, cultural appropriation, and tribal governance, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge and self-determination.
Native American Rights Fund: The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1970 that provides legal assistance and advocacy for Native American tribes and individuals. It aims to protect the rights of Indigenous people, focusing on issues such as land, resources, and cultural preservation. The NARF has played a crucial role in empowering Native communities through legal representation, helping them assert their sovereignty and fight against injustices.
Cultural preservation: Cultural preservation refers to the efforts and practices aimed at maintaining and protecting the cultural heritage, traditions, languages, and identities of a group or community. This concept is vital in safeguarding the unique aspects of Native American cultures against the pressures of modernization and assimilation, ensuring that future generations can experience and connect with their rich history and traditions.
Health disparities: Health disparities refer to the differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare that exist among various population groups, often influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and geographic location. These disparities can result in significant inequalities in health and well-being, particularly among marginalized communities. Understanding these differences is crucial for addressing long-term impacts on Native communities, ensuring environmental justice, and recognizing the unique experiences of urban Native Americans.
Intergenerational trauma: Intergenerational trauma refers to the psychological and emotional effects of trauma that are passed down from one generation to the next. This phenomenon is especially relevant in communities that have experienced systemic oppression, cultural loss, and historical injustices, leading to lasting impacts on mental health, identity, and community well-being.
Housing insecurity: Housing insecurity refers to the uncertain and unstable conditions surrounding an individual or family's access to safe and affordable housing. This term encompasses a range of challenges, including frequent moves, overcrowding, high rent burdens, and the risk of eviction. In urban settings, where many Native Americans reside, housing insecurity can significantly affect their overall well-being, contributing to health issues, economic instability, and social dislocation.
Social marginalization: Social marginalization refers to the process by which certain individuals or groups are pushed to the edges of society, resulting in reduced access to resources, opportunities, and participation in social, economic, and political life. This often leads to a lack of representation and recognition, affecting the wellbeing and identity of marginalized communities. In urban settings, Native Americans often face social marginalization due to systemic inequities, cultural disconnection, and historical injustices that inhibit their ability to fully engage with the broader society.
Pan-indian identity: Pan-Indian identity refers to a social and political consciousness that transcends individual tribal affiliations, fostering a sense of shared cultural identity among Native American peoples. This collective identity often emerges in urban environments where diverse tribal members come together, creating solidarity and a united front to address common issues such as social justice, political representation, and cultural preservation.
Cultural programs: Cultural programs are organized initiatives that aim to promote and preserve the heritage, traditions, and cultural practices of a specific community, particularly in urban settings. These programs serve as vital tools for urban Native Americans to connect with their roots, engage with their community, and combat the challenges of cultural assimilation often faced in cities. They play a significant role in fostering identity, solidarity, and the transmission of knowledge among generations.
Urban poverty: Urban poverty refers to the condition of individuals and families living in cities who experience economic hardship and lack access to basic resources such as adequate housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This issue is compounded by systemic factors like discrimination, unemployment, and limited access to education, particularly affecting marginalized groups, including Native Americans living in urban areas. Understanding urban poverty is essential to recognizing the unique challenges faced by these communities as they navigate life in city environments that often do not cater to their specific needs.
Health inequities: Health inequities refer to the systematic and unjust differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare services that are experienced by different populations, often influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors. These disparities can affect various groups based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographical location, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to achieve health equity.
Mental health issues: Mental health issues refer to a range of conditions that affect an individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. They can impact how people think, feel, and act, influencing their ability to cope with stress, relate to others, and make choices. In the context of urban Native American experiences, these issues are often compounded by the effects of historical trauma, socio-economic disparities, and cultural dislocation, making mental health care access and community support crucial for healing and resilience.
Cultural disconnection: Cultural disconnection refers to the estrangement and loss of cultural identity that individuals or groups experience when they are removed from their traditional environments and communities. This phenomenon often occurs in urban settings where Native Americans move away from their ancestral lands, leading to a separation from cultural practices, languages, and communal ties that are crucial for identity formation and community cohesion.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society: The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the academic and professional success of American Indian students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It serves as a vital resource for urban Native Americans by providing scholarships, mentorship, and professional development opportunities that foster the participation of Indigenous peoples in STEM disciplines. AISES plays an important role in bridging the gap between traditional Indigenous knowledge and modern scientific practices.
Identity negotiation: Identity negotiation refers to the ongoing process by which individuals or groups actively shape, redefine, and assert their identities in response to social interactions, cultural influences, and environmental contexts. This process is particularly relevant for Urban Native Americans who navigate their complex identities as they blend traditional cultural elements with contemporary urban experiences, often dealing with stereotypes and misconceptions.
Urban indigenous population: The urban indigenous population refers to Native American individuals and communities who reside in urban areas rather than on reservations or rural settings. This demographic shift has occurred due to various factors, including economic opportunities, education, and access to services. Urban indigenous populations often face unique challenges and experiences that differ from those of their rural counterparts, such as cultural disconnection and adaptation to urban life.
Urban Indian Health Movement: The Urban Indian Health Movement refers to the efforts made to improve healthcare access and quality for Native Americans living in urban areas, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. This movement emerged as a response to the increasing urbanization of Native populations and aimed to address the unique health challenges they faced, such as high rates of chronic diseases and mental health issues, while also advocating for cultural competency in healthcare services.
Urban indian centers: Urban Indian centers are community-based organizations located in urban areas that provide various support services and cultural activities for Native Americans living away from their tribal lands. These centers play a vital role in fostering a sense of community, offering resources such as job training, healthcare access, and cultural education to help urban Native Americans navigate the challenges of city life while maintaining connections to their heritage.
Identity crisis: An identity crisis is a period of uncertainty and confusion in which individuals question their sense of self and their personal identity. This often occurs when one experiences significant changes in their environment, roles, or social expectations. In the context of urban Native American experiences, an identity crisis can arise from the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities and reconciling traditional values with contemporary urban life.
National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition: The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition is an organization that seeks to address the intergenerational trauma caused by the U.S. government’s boarding school policy, which forcibly removed Native American children from their families to assimilate them into Euro-American culture. This coalition aims to promote healing, raise awareness, and support the communities affected by these historical injustices, focusing particularly on those who now reside in urban areas, where many survivors and descendants have relocated.
Native hip hop: Native hip hop is a genre of music that blends traditional Indigenous cultural elements with the rhythms and styles of hip hop, often addressing social issues, identity, and the experiences of Native peoples. This genre serves as a powerful medium for urban Native American artists to express their struggles, celebrate their heritage, and connect with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.
Powwows: Powwows are social gatherings of Native American people that serve as a way to celebrate cultural traditions, foster community connections, and showcase indigenous art, music, and dance. These events often feature traditional ceremonies, competitions, and opportunities for tribes to unite, promoting cultural continuity and resilience in urban settings.
Native American Church: The Native American Church is a spiritual movement that emerged in the early 20th century, blending Indigenous traditions with elements of Christianity, particularly the use of peyote as a sacrament. This faith seeks to promote spiritual healing and community among Native American peoples, while addressing issues related to cultural preservation and identity.
Culturally competent healthcare: Culturally competent healthcare refers to the ability of healthcare providers to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. This approach is essential in addressing health disparities and ensuring that all individuals receive quality care that respects their cultural beliefs, practices, and values. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique experiences of various groups, particularly in urban settings where diverse populations often converge.
Urbanization of Native Americans: The urbanization of Native Americans refers to the migration and settlement of Indigenous peoples in urban areas, particularly during the 20th century. This shift was driven by factors such as economic opportunities, federal policies, and social changes that encouraged relocation from rural reservations to cities. As Native Americans moved into urban environments, they faced unique challenges and experiences that shaped their identities and communities in these new settings.
Access to care: Access to care refers to the ease with which individuals can obtain necessary medical services, including preventive, primary, and specialty care. It encompasses various factors such as availability of healthcare providers, affordability of services, and geographical location. In the context of urban Native American experiences, access to care can significantly impact health outcomes and overall well-being due to historical disparities and ongoing challenges faced by these communities in urban environments.
Urban powwow: An urban powwow is a gathering of Native American people in an urban setting where cultural traditions, dance, music, and community bonding are celebrated. These events provide an opportunity for Indigenous individuals living in cities to connect with their heritage, engage in cultural practices, and strengthen community ties, often featuring traditional competitions and social dancing.
Urban Native American Alliance: The Urban Native American Alliance is a collective of organizations and individuals that advocate for the rights and well-being of Native Americans living in urban settings. This alliance addresses the unique challenges faced by these individuals, including cultural disconnection, economic hardships, and access to resources. By fostering a sense of community and providing support services, the alliance helps to empower urban Native Americans and preserve their cultural identity in metropolitan areas.
National Urban Indian Family Coalition: The National Urban Indian Family Coalition is an organization focused on addressing the unique challenges and needs of urban Native American families across the United States. It plays a crucial role in advocating for policies and programs that support urban Indigenous communities, highlighting the importance of cultural identity, social justice, and family well-being in urban environments.
Food sovereignty: Food sovereignty is the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, as well as the ability to define their own food systems. It emphasizes local control over food production, which empowers communities to make decisions about what they eat and how they grow it. This concept is crucial in addressing issues such as environmental justice, historical trauma, and the unique experiences of urban Indigenous populations.
Wilma Mankiller: Wilma Mankiller was the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, serving from 1985 to 1995, and is recognized for her pioneering leadership and advocacy for Native American rights. Her tenure marked a significant transformation in the political structures of tribal governance and highlighted the importance of women's roles within Native American communities. She focused on community development, self-determination, and empowerment for Indigenous peoples, influencing social structures and representations in media as well as urban experiences for Native Americans.
National Congress of American Indians: The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is an advocacy organization founded in 1944 that represents the collective interests of Native American tribes and promotes tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The NCAI plays a crucial role in addressing issues faced by Native communities and serves as a voice for tribal nations in political, legal, and social matters.
Cultural Assimilation: Cultural assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, beliefs, and practices of another culture, often resulting in the loss of their original cultural identity. This phenomenon has been particularly significant in shaping the experiences of Native American societies in the context of external pressures from colonization, treaties, and urbanization. The push for assimilation often leads to the erasure of indigenous cultures and languages, while influencing social dynamics and identity among Native communities.