Name any issue or cause and there is an organization that raises support for or awareness of it. Especially in the USA there is a huge variety of these groups for anything from minority rights to a certain celebrity's wardrobe. Often the members of a group will come from a similar background as well, such as being Jewish or of Irish ancestry. There is also a huge array of Native American organizations active in America.
Currently less than 2 percent of Americans identify themselves as Native American. They can be of the tribes often referred to as Indians or they can be indigenous Alaskans or Hawaiians too. Most Indians live outside of reservation land but whether they live on their tribal lands or in the cities, they face a number of issues simply because of their ancestry.
The way in which indigenous Americans have been portrayed by the film industry through the years has led to one of the biggest problems they face today, that of stereotypes. Many non-native people think of them as either the noble and wise old man who speaks in riddles, the fiery warrior with the flowing hair and shrill cry, the silly helper or the violent and hopeless drunk. However, there is much more variety among the descendants of the first Americans. For this reason some groups specifically aim to get rid of these stereotypes and to educate others about their people.
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.
A high percentage of indigenous Americans have fought in the armed forces and now belong to associations for veterans of the same tribal background so that they can support one another. People who work in the same profession also form professional organizations where they can provide support and help to find and develop younger talent. There are, for instance, groups for journalists, writers, lawyers, artists, musicians and rodeo cowboys.
There is a very high incidence of social issues like poverty, crime, gender-based violence and substance abuse among the indigenous Americans. The reasons for these problems are multiple but some groups focus on trying to remedy the situation. For instance, some set up college funds to help young people get a better education, which can help them have a better life. Others, such as the Navajo AIDS Network or the Indian Health Service, focus on health issues.
The environment is of concern to everyone, including the Red Nations. An organization like the Indigenous Environmental Network addresses environmental issues that affect everyone. Especially on tribal lands you'll also find grassroots activists who work with a cause particular to that community, such as plans for mining, drilling or developing their land and how these plans will impact on the land.
With the huge variety of Native American organizations in the USA, it's not difficult to find one that is suited to your interests. An online search is a good place to start. Otherwise, you'll find information in publications like newspapers or magazines such as Native Peoples Magazine, aimed at people of indigenous extraction.
Currently less than 2 percent of Americans identify themselves as Native American. They can be of the tribes often referred to as Indians or they can be indigenous Alaskans or Hawaiians too. Most Indians live outside of reservation land but whether they live on their tribal lands or in the cities, they face a number of issues simply because of their ancestry.
The way in which indigenous Americans have been portrayed by the film industry through the years has led to one of the biggest problems they face today, that of stereotypes. Many non-native people think of them as either the noble and wise old man who speaks in riddles, the fiery warrior with the flowing hair and shrill cry, the silly helper or the violent and hopeless drunk. However, there is much more variety among the descendants of the first Americans. For this reason some groups specifically aim to get rid of these stereotypes and to educate others about their people.
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.
A high percentage of indigenous Americans have fought in the armed forces and now belong to associations for veterans of the same tribal background so that they can support one another. People who work in the same profession also form professional organizations where they can provide support and help to find and develop younger talent. There are, for instance, groups for journalists, writers, lawyers, artists, musicians and rodeo cowboys.
There is a very high incidence of social issues like poverty, crime, gender-based violence and substance abuse among the indigenous Americans. The reasons for these problems are multiple but some groups focus on trying to remedy the situation. For instance, some set up college funds to help young people get a better education, which can help them have a better life. Others, such as the Navajo AIDS Network or the Indian Health Service, focus on health issues.
The environment is of concern to everyone, including the Red Nations. An organization like the Indigenous Environmental Network addresses environmental issues that affect everyone. Especially on tribal lands you'll also find grassroots activists who work with a cause particular to that community, such as plans for mining, drilling or developing their land and how these plans will impact on the land.
With the huge variety of Native American organizations in the USA, it's not difficult to find one that is suited to your interests. An online search is a good place to start. Otherwise, you'll find information in publications like newspapers or magazines such as Native Peoples Magazine, aimed at people of indigenous extraction.
About the Author:
The National Alliance of Native Americans helps the people connect with various assistance programs and Native American organizations. To learn more about us, visit us now at http://www.nationalallianceofnativeamericanslonghouse.com.
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