11.1 Urban Native American experiences

Urban Native Americans face unique challenges as they navigate life in cities. Over 70% now live in urban areas, reshaping Native communities and identities. This shift has created both opportunities and obstacles for maintaining cultural connections while adapting to urban environments.

Employment, education, and healthcare access remain key issues for urban Natives. Many organizations work to provide culturally-grounded services and build community. Urban Native artists are also creating innovative works that blend traditional and contemporary influences.

Urban Native American population

• The urban Native American population has experienced significant growth in recent decades, with more than 70% of Native Americans now living in urban areas
• This shift from reservations to cities has reshaped the demographic landscape of Native America and created new opportunities and challenges for urban Native communities
• Understanding the experiences, identities, and needs of urban Native Americans is crucial for supporting their well-being and cultural vitality in contemporary society

Growth of urban populations

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• The urban Native American population has grown rapidly since the mid-20th century, with the most significant increases occurring between 1950 and 1980
• Factors contributing to this growth include the federal relocation programs of the 1950s and 1960s, which encouraged Native Americans to move to cities for employment and education opportunities
• Natural population growth and migration from reservations to cities have also contributed to the increasing urban Native population
• Today, cities with large Native American populations include Los Angeles, Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Oklahoma City

Reasons for urbanization

• Native Americans have been drawn to cities for various reasons, including economic opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and the desire to escape poverty and limited resources on reservations
• The federal relocation programs of the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Indian Relocation Act of 1956, actively encouraged Native Americans to move to cities with promises of job training and housing assistance
• Some Native Americans have also moved to cities to pursue higher education or to join family members who have already relocated
• Urbanization has also been driven by the need to find affordable housing, as many reservations face severe housing shortages and substandard living conditions

Challenges of urban life

• Despite the opportunities that cities offer, urban Native Americans often face significant challenges, including poverty, discrimination, cultural disconnection, and limited access to resources
• Many urban Natives struggle to find affordable housing, leading to high rates of homelessness and overcrowding
• Urban Native Americans often face barriers to healthcare, education, and employment due to systemic inequalities and cultural misunderstandings
• Maintaining cultural connections and traditional practices can be difficult in urban settings, where Native Americans may be dispersed and disconnected from their tribal communities
• Urban Native Americans may also experience a sense of cultural identity loss and struggle to navigate the complexities of living in two worlds - their Native heritage and the dominant urban culture

Urban Native American identity

• Urban Native American identity is complex and multifaceted, shaped by the unique experiences of living in cities while maintaining connections to tribal communities and cultures
• For many urban Natives, identity is a constant negotiation between their urban realities and their cultural roots, requiring adaptability and resilience
• Understanding the diverse expressions of urban Native identity is essential for appreciating the richness and vitality of contemporary Native American life

Maintaining cultural connections

• Urban Native Americans often work hard to maintain connections to their tribal communities and cultural traditions, despite the challenges of distance and disconnection
• Many urban Natives travel back to their reservations for ceremonies, powwows, and family events, strengthening their ties to their ancestral homelands
• Urban Native organizations and cultural centers play a crucial role in providing spaces for cultural gatherings, language classes, and traditional arts and crafts
• Social media and online communities have also become important tools for urban Natives to connect with their tribes and share cultural knowledge and experiences

Adapting traditions to urban settings

• Urban Native Americans often find creative ways to adapt their cultural traditions to the realities of city life, blending ancient practices with contemporary influences
• Traditional foods and medicines may be incorporated into urban diets and healing practices, using ingredients available in city markets and health food stores
• Sacred ceremonies and rituals may be held in urban parks, community centers, or private homes, creating new spaces for spiritual connection and cultural expression
• Urban Native artists may use contemporary mediums and styles to express traditional stories, symbols, and aesthetics, creating new forms of Native art that reflect the diversity of urban Native experiences

Balancing urban and tribal identities

• For many urban Native Americans, identity is not an either/or proposition, but a complex interplay between their urban and tribal selves
• Urban Natives may navigate multiple identities, moving between their roles as professionals, students, parents, and community members in the city, while also maintaining their identities as members of specific tribes and clans
• Some urban Natives may struggle with feelings of cultural disconnection or "not being Native enough," particularly if they have limited opportunities to engage with their tribal communities or learn their ancestral languages
• Embracing the fluidity and diversity of urban Native identity can be a source of strength and resilience, allowing individuals to create new forms of Native identity that reflect their unique experiences and perspectives

Intertribal relationships in cities

• In urban settings, Native Americans from diverse tribal backgrounds often come together, creating new forms of intertribal community and solidarity
• Urban Native organizations and cultural centers provide spaces for intertribal gatherings, cultural exchanges, and collective action on shared issues and concerns
• Intertribal relationships in cities can foster a sense of shared Native identity and purpose, while also celebrating the diversity of Native cultures and experiences
• Urban Native youth may form intertribal peer groups and participate in cultural activities that expose them to a wide range of Native traditions and perspectives, strengthening their sense of Native identity and belonging

Urban Native American organizations

• Urban Native American organizations play a vital role in supporting the needs and aspirations of urban Native communities, providing a wide range of services and programs
• These organizations serve as hubs for cultural preservation, community building, advocacy, and social services, helping urban Natives navigate the challenges and opportunities of city life
• Understanding the diverse functions and impacts of urban Native organizations is essential for appreciating their crucial role in sustaining and empowering urban Native communities

Types of urban Native organizations

• Urban Native organizations come in many forms, including cultural centers, social service agencies, health clinics, educational programs, and advocacy groups
• Some organizations focus on specific issues or populations, such as youth, elders, women, or LGBTQ+ individuals, while others serve the broader urban Native community
• Examples of prominent urban Native organizations include the Chicago American Indian Center, the Native American Youth and Family Center in Portland, and the United American Indian Involvement in Los Angeles
• Many urban Native organizations are grassroots, community-based entities, led by and for Native people, while others may be affiliated with larger national or regional organizations

Role in community building

• Urban Native organizations play a crucial role in building and sustaining a sense of community among urban Natives, who may be dispersed and disconnected from their tribal communities
• These organizations provide spaces for cultural gatherings, social events, and community celebrations, such as powwows, potlucks, and holiday parties
• They also offer opportunities for urban Natives to connect with one another, share experiences and resources, and build networks of support and solidarity
• Urban Native organizations often serve as cultural anchors, helping to preserve and promote Native languages, traditions, and values in the context of city life

Advocacy and social services

• Urban Native organizations are often at the forefront of advocacy efforts on behalf of urban Native communities, working to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, health disparities, and cultural preservation
• They may engage in policy advocacy, community organizing, and public education campaigns to raise awareness of urban Native issues and push for systemic change
• Many urban Native organizations also provide a wide range of social services, such as housing assistance, job training, legal aid, and mental health counseling, to help urban Natives meet their basic needs and overcome barriers to success
• These services are often culturally grounded, incorporating Native values, practices, and approaches to healing and empowerment

Cultural preservation efforts

• Urban Native organizations play a vital role in preserving and promoting Native cultures in urban settings, where cultural knowledge and practices may be at risk of being lost or forgotten
• They offer cultural education programs, such as language classes, traditional arts and crafts workshops, and storytelling sessions, to help urban Natives learn about and connect with their cultural heritage
• Urban Native organizations may also host cultural events and celebrations, such as powwows, film festivals, and art exhibitions, showcasing the diversity and vitality of contemporary Native cultures
• Some organizations also work to protect and revitalize traditional knowledge systems, such as indigenous plant medicines or ecological practices, adapting them to urban contexts and sharing them with younger generations

Urban Native American art

• Urban Native American art is a vibrant and diverse field, encompassing a wide range of mediums, styles, and influences
• Contemporary urban Native artists are pushing the boundaries of traditional Native art forms, incorporating new technologies, materials, and perspectives into their work
• Understanding the themes, influences, and contexts of urban Native art is essential for appreciating its cultural significance and artistic innovation

Contemporary urban Native artists

• Contemporary urban Native artists come from diverse tribal backgrounds and artistic traditions, but share a commitment to expressing their Native identities and experiences through their work
• Some prominent urban Native artists include Bunky Echo-Hawk (Pawnee/Yakama), whose graphic art and murals explore issues of Native identity and social justice; Cannupa Hanska Luger (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara/Lakota), whose multidisciplinary works address environmental and cultural themes; and Gregg Deal (Pyramid Lake Paiute), whose performance art and installations challenge stereotypes and historical narratives
• Many urban Native artists are self-taught or have pursued alternative paths to artistic training, such as apprenticeships with elders or community-based arts programs
• Urban Native artists often work across multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and digital art, and may collaborate with artists from other disciplines or cultural backgrounds

Themes in urban Native art

• Urban Native art often explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural continuity in the context of urban life, reflecting the complex experiences and perspectives of urban Native communities
• Many urban Native artists use their work to address social and political issues affecting Native communities, such as land rights, environmental justice, and cultural appropriation
• Some urban Native artists draw on traditional Native stories, symbols, and aesthetics in their work, reinterpreting them for contemporary audiences and contexts
• Other urban Native artists explore more personal or experimental themes, pushing the boundaries of what is considered "Native art" and challenging stereotypes and expectations

Urban influences on Native art

• Living in cities exposes Native artists to a wide range of cultural influences and artistic styles, which may be incorporated into their work in unique and innovative ways
• Urban Native artists may draw inspiration from the diverse communities and cultures they encounter in cities, as well as from the built environment, technology, and popular culture
• Some urban Native artists use their work to critique or subvert the dominant culture's representations of Native people and cultures, creating new narratives and perspectives
• Urban Native art often reflects the hybridity and fluidity of urban Native identities, blending traditional and contemporary elements in ways that challenge binary notions of "authentic" Native culture

Showcasing urban Native art

• Urban Native art is showcased in a variety of settings, from community-based galleries and cultural centers to mainstream museums and international art fairs
• Urban Native organizations often play a crucial role in supporting and promoting urban Native artists, providing exhibition spaces, professional development opportunities, and networking events
• Some urban Native artists have gained national and international recognition for their work, helping to raise the visibility and prestige of contemporary Native art
• However, urban Native artists may still face challenges in accessing mainstream art markets and institutions, due to ongoing stereotypes and biases about Native art and culture

Urban Native American health

• Urban Native Americans face significant health disparities compared to the general population, stemming from a complex interplay of historical, social, economic, and cultural factors
• Access to culturally competent healthcare services is a major challenge for many urban Natives, who may face barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and cultural misunderstandings
• Understanding the unique health needs and challenges of urban Native communities is essential for developing effective interventions and policies to promote health equity and well-being

Health disparities in urban populations

• Urban Native Americans experience higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity compared to the general population
• Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, are also prevalent among urban Natives, often linked to experiences of trauma, discrimination, and cultural disconnection
• Urban Native youth are at particular risk for health problems, including suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among Native youth aged 10-24
• Social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing insecurity, and limited access to healthy food and green spaces, contribute to the health disparities faced by urban Native communities

Access to healthcare in cities

• Many urban Native Americans face barriers to accessing quality healthcare services, including lack of insurance coverage, transportation difficulties, and cultural and linguistic barriers
• Urban Indian Health Organizations (UIHOs), which are funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS), provide culturally competent healthcare services to urban Natives, but are often underfunded and understaffed
• Some urban Natives may rely on traditional healing practices or self-care strategies, due to mistrust of Western medicine or lack of access to mainstream healthcare services
• Improving access to healthcare for urban Natives requires a multi-faceted approach, including expanding insurance coverage, increasing funding for UIHOs, and training healthcare providers in culturally competent care

Urban Native health initiatives

• Urban Native organizations and health advocates are working to address health disparities through a range of community-based initiatives and programs
• Some initiatives focus on promoting healthy behaviors, such as physical activity, nutrition, and stress management, through culturally grounded approaches such as traditional games, foods, and healing practices
• Other initiatives aim to increase access to healthcare services, such as mobile clinics, telemedicine, and community health worker programs
• Urban Native health initiatives often prioritize community engagement and empowerment, involving community members in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health programs and policies

Mental health and wellness

• Addressing mental health and wellness is a critical priority for urban Native communities, given the high rates of trauma, stress, and cultural disconnection experienced by many urban Natives
• Urban Native organizations often provide culturally grounded mental health services, such as talking circles, sweat lodges, and traditional healing practices, in addition to Western therapeutic approaches
• Some initiatives focus on promoting resilience and positive coping strategies among urban Native youth, through mentoring, cultural education, and leadership development programs
• Efforts to address the social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, discrimination, and historical trauma, are also crucial for promoting the overall well-being of urban Native communities

Urban Native American education

• Education is a critical issue for urban Native American communities, with significant disparities in educational attainment and access compared to the general population
• Urban Native students face unique challenges in navigating educational systems that may not be culturally responsive or supportive of their identities and experiences
• Understanding the educational needs and strengths of urban Native students is essential for developing policies and programs that promote their academic success and overall well-being

Educational attainment in urban populations

• Urban Native Americans have lower rates of high school graduation and college enrollment compared to the general population, with only about 20% of urban Natives holding a bachelor's degree or higher
• Factors contributing to lower educational attainment among urban Natives include poverty, family instability, cultural disconnection, and discrimination in school settings
• Urban Native students may also face challenges in accessing quality education, due to underfunded schools, limited resources, and lack of culturally relevant curricula and teaching practices
• Improving educational outcomes for urban Native students requires a multi-faceted approach, including increasing funding for urban Native education programs, providing culturally responsive support services, and addressing systemic barriers to educational equity

Urban Native American schools

• Some cities have established urban Native American schools, which provide culturally grounded education to Native students in a supportive and affirming environment
• Examples of urban Native schools include the Native American Community Academy in Albuquerque, the Many Nations Academy in Oakland, and the Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School in Florida
• Urban Native schools often incorporate Native languages, cultures, and histories into the curriculum, as well as emphasizing community engagement, experiential learning, and holistic student development
• These schools may also provide wrap-around services, such as health care, counseling, and family support, to address the comprehensive needs of urban Native students and their families

Challenges in urban Native education

• Urban Native students may face a range of challenges in mainstream educational settings, including cultural misunderstandings, stereotyping, and low expectations from teachers and peers
• Some urban Native students may struggle with issues of identity and belonging, feeling caught between their Native heritage and the dominant culture of their schools and communities
• Limited access to Native language and culture programs, as well as a lack of Native teachers and role models, can also contribute to feelings of disconnection and disengagement among urban Native students
• Addressing these challenges requires a systemic approach, including training teachers in culturally responsive pedagogy, increasing the representation of Native educators and administrators, and providing culturally affirming support services for urban Native students and families

Culturally responsive education programs

• Culturally responsive education programs aim to create learning environments that affirm and build upon the cultural strengths and experiences of urban Native students
• These programs may incorporate Native languages, histories, and cultural practices into the curriculum, as well as emphasizing community engagement, experiential learning, and social-emotional development
• Some urban Native organizations offer after-school or summer programs that provide culturally grounded academic support, mentoring, and enrichment activities for Native youth
• Culturally responsive education programs have been shown to improve academic outcomes, cultural identity, and overall well-being for urban Native students, by creating a sense of belonging and connection to their heritage and community

Urban Native American employment

• Employment is a critical issue for urban Native American communities, with significant disparities in employment rates, income levels, and job quality compared to the general population
• Urban Native workers face a range of barriers to employment, including discrimination, limited education and job training opportunities, and lack of access to transportation and childcare
• Understanding the employment needs and strengths of urban Native communities is essential for developing policies and programs that promote economic self-sufficiency and overall well-being

Employment rates in urban populations

• Urban Native Americans have lower employment rates compared to the general population, with some studies showing unemployment rates as high as 15-20% in some urban Native communities
• Factors contributing to lower employment rates among urban Natives include limited education and job training opportunities, discrimination in hiring and promotion, and lack of access to transportation and childcare
• Urban Native workers are also more likely to be employed in low-wage, part-time, or temporary