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.
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.
One of the main problems American Indians have to deal with is the stereotypes that exist about them. Many of these stereotypes are the result of how they've been portrayed by Hollywood. The most common archetypes are those of the wise and noble yet still uncivilized tribesman, the bloodthirsty warrior, the alcoholic and the sidekick who is often used for comic effect. In reality people of indigenous descent are much more varied and complex, just like people from other ethnic backgrounds. Several groups make it their mission to prevent the perpetuation of unfair stereotypes.
Indigenous people also face much racial discrimination, often because of the stereotypes that exist. In order to secure and promote their rights there are associations and activist groups who focus specifically on this. There are also groups that try to further cultural identity.
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.
Groups such as professional or veterans' associations are one way of helping to combat socio-economic problems such as substance abuse, crime and violence that go together with poverty. However, there are also groups that focus specifically on these issues. Health is another issue that needs addressing and some of the health problems rife among indigenous populations are completely preventable. Groups like the Indian Health Service try to deal with these.
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.
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.
One of the main problems American Indians have to deal with is the stereotypes that exist about them. Many of these stereotypes are the result of how they've been portrayed by Hollywood. The most common archetypes are those of the wise and noble yet still uncivilized tribesman, the bloodthirsty warrior, the alcoholic and the sidekick who is often used for comic effect. In reality people of indigenous descent are much more varied and complex, just like people from other ethnic backgrounds. Several groups make it their mission to prevent the perpetuation of unfair stereotypes.
Indigenous people also face much racial discrimination, often because of the stereotypes that exist. In order to secure and promote their rights there are associations and activist groups who focus specifically on this. There are also groups that try to further cultural identity.
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.
Groups such as professional or veterans' associations are one way of helping to combat socio-economic problems such as substance abuse, crime and violence that go together with poverty. However, there are also groups that focus specifically on these issues. Health is another issue that needs addressing and some of the health problems rife among indigenous populations are completely preventable. Groups like the Indian Health Service try to deal with these.
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.
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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