Is November enough?
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I'm writing this the day before the election, and like most of you, I am on pins and needles. I am so hopeful and a little excited, but also full of seething rage at what we've had to endure the last few years. "Well that's not very spiritual Kelly". Nope, it sure isn't...or is it? I am disgusted with this country right now. How did we get here and how to we recover? Idanno. Seems we've been fucking up human rights since we started, so...in light of that...here's some info about November and Native American Heritage Month. I am channeling my election angst into this blog on behalf of the Native Americans who were here long before Columbus, or the Vikings, or the stupid Pilgrims with their uppity religious crap that started the witch trials (now I might just be getting out of line haha). There are not enough days in a year to apologize to the people who have been murdered or abandoned to suffering in this country that we basically stole. Period.
National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each November in the United States, recognizing the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Native American peoples. This month serves as a time for all Americans to learn about and appreciate the heritage and traditions of Indigenous communities.
The observance of Native American Heritage Month began in 1990, when President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as a time to celebrate the culture and achievements of Native Americans. This initiative followed earlier efforts to recognize Indigenous peoples, including a 1916 resolution that suggested a national American Indian Day.
Throughout November, various events and activities take place across the country, including educational programs, cultural exhibitions, and community gatherings. Museums and cultural centers often host exhibits showcasing Native art, music, and history, while schools incorporate lessons on Indigenous peoples into their curricula.
These celebrations aim not only to honor Native American cultures but also to address the challenges these communities face today, such as economic disparities and the preservation of languages and traditions. But while I think its great that we have this month to recognize who they are and be all "kumbaya" and romantic about this month, we've done a piss poor job of actually acknowledging the deep, irreparable damage we've done to their communities. The least we can do is know the facts.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, the poverty rate for Native Americans is about 25.4%, compared to approximately 11.4% for the overall U.S. population.
- The median household income for Native American households is lower than that of the general population. As of recent data, it averages around $45,000, compared to about $68,700 for all households in the U.S.
- Unemployment rates for Native Americans are also higher, often exceeding 10%, and can be much higher in some tribal areas.
- Poverty levels can vary significantly based on geographic location, with many rural reservations experiencing especially high poverty rates, sometimes exceeding 40%.
- Educational attainment impacts economic opportunities, with Native Americans facing barriers to accessing quality education, owing and contributing to the cycle of poverty.
Indigenous women in the United States face disproportionately high rates of violence and crime.
- Indigenous women are more than twice as likely to experience sexual assault compared to women of other ethnicities. According to the National Institute of Justice, approximately 1 in 2 Indigenous women have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.
- Native American women are significantly more likely to be murdered than women from other racial or ethnic groups. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that homicide is one of the leading causes of death for Indigenous women.
- Indigenous women are disproportionately represented among missing persons cases. The National Crime Information Center reported that Indigenous women are 2.5 times more likely to go missing than white women. (And are far less likely to receive any press, attention, or law enforcement resources!)
- A 2017 study found that nearly 55% of Indigenous women have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, which is significantly higher than the national average.
- A lack of jurisdictional clarity often complicates law enforcement responses to crimes againstIndigenous women. Crimes that occur on tribal lands may fall under federal or state jurisdiction, leading to gaps in investigation and prosecution.
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- Many Indigenous women do not report crimes due to mistrust of law enforcement, fear of retribution, or cultural stigma, which contributes to the underreporting of violence against them.
- https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw
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So, is November enough? Not even close. We haven't gotten much right about how we have treated these amazing people from day 1 on this continent. And yet, Native Americans have played an integral role in shaping the history of the United States, from the original inhabitants of the land to contemporary leaders and activists. Their contributions span numerous fields, including agriculture, environmental stewardship, art, and politics. Figures like Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, and contemporary leaders advocating for Indigenous rights exemplify the ongoing impact of Native Americans on society.
We have done 3 episodes, to date, on badass indigenous women - so check out Episodes 10, 11, and 49.
You can find out what Native tribes occupied the land
