American Indians Challenges

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Challenges American Indians Face Then and Now XXXXXXXXXXXX Northwestern State University Abstract Challenges have troubled American Indians throughout history a great deal. The land that they lived and occupied was a way of self-sufficient survival. The Americans and British used their clout by controlling trade, taking control of their lands and destroying their people. Assimilation was forced upon the American Indians to deprive them of their native language and culture. This paper will discuss the challenges that the American Indian Culture may face today: living conditions, families, education and employment, and health care. Challenges American Indians Face Then and Now American Indians have experienced racism and oppression from…show more content…
From 2007 to 2010, the national unemployment rate for American Indians increased 7.7% to 15.2%. The largest employers for American Indians are Tribal and Federal governments on the reservations. Many are forced to look for work outside of the reservation and receive lower wages that leave them failing to meet their basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. “A major cause of poverty in Native American communities is the persistent lack of opportunity. Only 36 percent of males in high-poverty Native American communities have full-time, year-round employment.” (Rodgers, 2013) The overall percentage of American Indians living below the federal poverty line is 28.2% (2008, American Indians Census Facts). The disparity for American Indians living below poverty on the reservations is even greater, reaching 38% to 63% in our service area (2006, National Center for Education Statistics, and other sources). (NAA, 2013)…show more content…
Some families are suffering from starvation because there isn’t enough food in overcrowded homes to meet every ones basic need. Some foods are often fried and very unhealthy. Several of the health care problems for American Indians stem from Alcohol which is about four times the national average. Health systems in many Native American communities are in serious need of updating and improvement. (Rodgers, 2013) On reservations health care is free but they lack basic supplies and equipment to operate on patients. The clinics fail to diagnosis patients correctly which leads to problems worsening. Those who cannot afford health care are subjected to deal with the inadequate care on the reservations. Although American Indians, Have survived oppression from European settlers who tried to force them into assimilation. They have strived to perpetuate their American Indian culture which is continuing to leave them oppressed. I believe it is essential for American Indians to practice their beliefs, values, and tradition for self-awareness. Several decades have passed and I believe that no culture should feel inferior to the dominant culture in the United States. Taking advantage of educational opportunities offered to American Indian cultural is essential so that they can have a voice, their voice. Not just advocacy from other groups who may not know their struggles in society
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