Think of any cause, whether it's a socio-political issue or support for a certain celebrity, and you'll find some kind of organization that supports it or tries to raise awareness of it. This is the case throughout the USA. Some groups are organized according to a specific background too, for instance according to their religion or their gender identity. For example, you will find a huge variety of Native American organizations in the USA.
About 1.7 percent of the people in the USA are Native American. Most often they're of American Indian descent. However, tribes indigenous to Alaska and Hawaii are part of this grouping too. Most of the Red Nations people don't live on reservations but try to live their lives in the cities of America. However, because of who they are the face many problems.
One huge problem that Native Americans face is the stereotypes about them as a people. Hollywood movies have at various times portrayed them as the fierce and cruel warrior, the noble savage, the drunk or the comical sidekick. The reality is that even though these characters certainly do exist, so do many other types of people of indigenous ancestry. There are several activist groups that not only challenge these stereotypes but also try to educate people about the descendants of America's original inhabitants.
Along with trying to overcome stereotypes is the challenge of overcoming discrimination. There are several groups that fight for the rights of indigenous people. Some focus only on specific tribes while others work for the rights of all Red Nations. Other groups focus on awareness and promotion of cultural identity.
A great way for people of indigenous descent to challenge stereotypes and to educate others about their culture is through their daily work. Musicians, artists, journalists, lawyers and even rodeo cowboys are some of the groups that have their own professional organizations. Some help develop new talent while others, such as war veterans' associations, help those who have already paid their dues to society.
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.
Environmental issues are also represented. Some organizations work for the protection of the environment in general. An example is the Indigenous Environmental Network. However, there are also activist groups who work for a particular environmental cause, such as proposed mining on their tribal land and how this will affect the community and the environment.
Finding a group that shares your interests and passions is not difficult. There are many Native American organizations to choose from. To find them, simply search online or consult publications aimed at indigenous groups. The Native Peoples Magazine, for instance, is available nationwide.
About 1.7 percent of the people in the USA are Native American. Most often they're of American Indian descent. However, tribes indigenous to Alaska and Hawaii are part of this grouping too. Most of the Red Nations people don't live on reservations but try to live their lives in the cities of America. However, because of who they are the face many problems.
One huge problem that Native Americans face is the stereotypes about them as a people. Hollywood movies have at various times portrayed them as the fierce and cruel warrior, the noble savage, the drunk or the comical sidekick. The reality is that even though these characters certainly do exist, so do many other types of people of indigenous ancestry. There are several activist groups that not only challenge these stereotypes but also try to educate people about the descendants of America's original inhabitants.
Along with trying to overcome stereotypes is the challenge of overcoming discrimination. There are several groups that fight for the rights of indigenous people. Some focus only on specific tribes while others work for the rights of all Red Nations. Other groups focus on awareness and promotion of cultural identity.
A great way for people of indigenous descent to challenge stereotypes and to educate others about their culture is through their daily work. Musicians, artists, journalists, lawyers and even rodeo cowboys are some of the groups that have their own professional organizations. Some help develop new talent while others, such as war veterans' associations, help those who have already paid their dues to society.
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.
Environmental issues are also represented. Some organizations work for the protection of the environment in general. An example is the Indigenous Environmental Network. However, there are also activist groups who work for a particular environmental cause, such as proposed mining on their tribal land and how this will affect the community and the environment.
Finding a group that shares your interests and passions is not difficult. There are many Native American organizations to choose from. To find them, simply search online or consult publications aimed at indigenous groups. The Native Peoples Magazine, for instance, is available nationwide.
About the Author:
You can visit www.nationalallianceofnativeamericanslonghouse.com for more helpful information about The Many Native American Organizations In The United States.
