Poverty In America: Native American Tribes
opinion Essay
1320 words
As a White American, I have been virtually unaware of the harsh living conditions that Native Americans have been enduring. This past summer I was fishing and camping at a resort in northwestern Minnesota with my family. I realized that this resort was located on the White Earth Indian Reservation. As I drove around the towns that the resort was near, I saw that the Native Americans were terribly poverty-stricken. Besides the resort that my family and I were staying at and a small casino that was nearby, most of the buildings and houses were in poor condition. The majority of the houses were trailers and not something that I would call “livable.” This raised a few questions in my mind: Why are people on Indian reservations living this way and what other things besides housing are Native Americans lacking? As I began research on these questions, I found three major issues. Poverty, health, and education are three tribulations that, at this point, remain broken on American Indian reservations.
Although poverty rates on some reservations are getting better because of gambling enterprises and natural resources, most reservations have unusually high poverty rates. In 2000, the poverty rate of the entire United States was about 11.3%. Compare that to a 25.9% poverty rate for Native Americans living on reservations. The poverty rate of Native Americans in 2000 was higher than the peak of the poverty rate of the Great Depression, which was 21.7% (Native American Statistics”). This statistic alone shows that Native Americans are not doing well financially.
Location is a significant factor that determines how economically well certain reservations are doing. Reservations that are located in places with abundant natural resources and near metropolitan areas, tend to do better than reservations in remote areas. This is because with more resources available and more people to support businesses, the economy is more likely to thrive.
For reservations that are located in places with few resources and in remote areas, there is a lack of opportunity. Jobs are less available and the unemployment rate is high. This pertains to most reservations in the United States (Alvarez). In the United States, the unemployment rate in 2010 was 9.6%. The unemployment rate for Native Americans in the same year was 21.3% (“Labor Force Statistics”). Not only is there a dramati...
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"American Indian & Alaska Native Populations." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2012. .
Bouchard, Jen. "Native American Education and Employment." Suite101.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. .
"Labor Force Statistics." Bureau of Labor Statistics Data. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2012. .
"Living Conditions | American Indian Relief Council." Living Conditions | American Indian Relief Council. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2012. .
"Native American Statistics." N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2012. .
"Status and Trends in the Education of American Indians and Alaska Natives." National Center for Educational Statistics. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. .
In this essay, the author
- Describes how they were unaware of the harsh living conditions of native americans on the white earth indian reservation.
- Compares the poverty rate of native americans living on reservations to that of the great depression, which was 21.7%.
- Explains that location is a significant factor that determines how economically well certain reservations are doing. reservations that are located in places with abundant natural resources tend to do better than reservations in remote areas.
- Explains that the unemployment rate for native americans in the united states is high and there is a dramatic difference between them and non-native americans.
- Opines that the indian housing authority (iha) has been working on reducing the number of homeless or under housed native american families, but the waiting list for tribal housing is long.
- Explains that the indian health services (ihs) is responsible for serving the health needs of native american populations.
- Explains that 55% of native americans rely on ihs services for medical care, yet the indian health care improvement act only meets about 60% of health needs.
- Explains that native americans are 177% more likely to die from diabetes than other non-native americans, due to the link between heart disease, diabetes, poverty, and poor quality of health care.
- Explains that tribal schools are more likely to cancel classes, hire less qualified teachers, and use teachers from other subjects to fill vacancies.
- Explains that native american students have a dropout rate twice that of the national average, which is the highest of any racial group.
- Explains that poverty, parental alcoholism, and drug abuse are serious problems in tribal schools. far fewer native american students attend college than other ethnic groups in the united states.
- Opines that native americans are oppressed and living in terrible conditions. it is time to work together to solve the issues of poverty, health, and education on native american reservations.
- Cites alvarez, annette. "native american tribes and economic development." centers for disease control and prevention.
- Analyzes the bureau of labor statistics data's report on native american education and employment, and the living conditions of american indian relief council.
Related
- comparative
- analytical
- explanatory
- opinion
- High Suicide Rate Among Native American Teenagerscomparative essayA long family tree of mistreatment and undue suffering in addition to present lack of resources and poverty has resulted in considerable distress among tribal members and families living within the majority of reservations today. As a result of such distress and despair, many Native American families living in reservations have been torn apart as alcohol, drugs and family violence have become rampant within their communities. Furthermore, the inaccessibility of most reservations combined with lack of resources proves challenging to provide proper housing for families. In addition, the American Indians make up a minority of the least educated, sickest and poorest people within our country. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for Native American youths in the 15-24 age group and 2.5 times the national rate.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that parents are overjoyed by the happiness and success of their teenage children, but little is known about the extreme poverty and despondency within the reservations of the native american communities.
- Explains that mistreatment, lack of resources, and poverty have resulted in considerable distress among tribal members and families living within the majority of reservations today. suicide is the second leading cause of death for native american youths.
- Explains that poverty, alcohol/drug addiction and isolation are the contributing factors that lead to native american teenagers having the highest suicide rate in the country.
- Explains that american reservations are among the poorest in the country due to high unemployment rates, drug and alcohol addiction, and lack of education. indian children are more likely to be living in poverty than the general public.
- Explains that alcohol and drug addiction is rampant among native american adults and teenage children living on the reservations. many children have no parental figure of authority to guide them in the right direction.
- Explains that native american teenagers living on remote reservations are isolated from the rest of society. they are expected to look after their siblings while their parents work outside of the reservation.
- Concludes that native american teenagers have the highest rate of suicide in the country as a result of drug and alcohol addicted parents.
- Cites ghosh, r. p. (2012, february 11). native americans: the tragedy of alcoholism.
682 wordsRead More - Native American Historyanalytical essayPopular culture has shaped our understanding and perception of Native American culture. From Disney to literature has given the picture of the “blood thirsty savage” of the beginning colonialism in the new world to the “Noble Savage,” a trait painted by non-native the West (Landsman and Lewis 184) and this has influenced many non native perceptions. What many outsiders do not see is the struggle Native American have on day to day bases. Each generation of Native American is on a struggle to keep their traditions alive, but to function in school and ultimately graduate.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how popular culture has shaped our understanding and perception of native american culture. disney and literature have given the picture of the "blood-thirsty savage" of colonialism to "noble savage."
- Analyzes how the long history between native american and europeans is a strained and bloody one.
- Analyzes how the history of the education through boarding schools causes distrust for the current education system. the one-sided history being instructed to native students brings a message that "their history does not matter."
- Explains that the nation's standardized test also leaves native students behind their peers. many questions are "eurocentric and culturally bias" resulting in many students who have grown in a traditional customs.
- Explains that many native parents are reluctant for their children to be taught by non native teachers. the experiences through boarding schools have caused generation to have negative thought of formal education.
- Explains that many teachers don't want to go to schools on reservations or have high native population due to negative stereotypes. they forget that they interact with the child's parent, and extended family.
- Analyzes how anton treuer describes strategizing using native language of the ojibwe to native students that they are able to apply to mathematical concepts.
- Explains that native students would have an easier time learning english, but they would also have a change to boost the achievement of native students. revitalization of language helps with preventing of dropout rate.
- Opines that language is what brings a culture together and brings unity to the community. having the ability to encourage people to learn and speak their native tongue would revitalize and bring about new speakers.
- Explains that the experience of native american tribes and culture was limited during their public school career. christopher columbus was the reason native americans were called indians.
- Explains that thanksgiving was always told through the pilgrims' point of view; coming on the mayflower and having a harsh thanksgiving. their second-grad class acted out the play.
- Explains that the north shore of minnesota and the luis and clark trail made native history realistic compared to the small excerpts that were in books or movies. the presentations at forts and special sites spoke of the collectiveness between the groups.
- Narrates how they learned the truth about the first thanksgiving, which was not a large jubilant occasion depicted in the text books.
- Explains that public school history is taught through the eyes of european explorers and then settlers of the united states. the louisiana purchase was always talked about the great expansion; it was also an invasion of native people.
- Analyzes how the harsh treatment of american natives, such as the trail of tears or little big horn, is a taboo subject that many do not want to talk about out of guilt.
- Explains that native american students would clearly see how assimilation works because most of the history taught in school is the white european, fallowing close to the first settlers, founding fathers, civil wars and the world wars.
- Opines that native students get the illusion that the main stream culture doesn't care about their history or the history of any other groups unless they helped the united states as a whole to form.
- Explains that learning native american history helps understand culture and distrust they have with the united states government.
- Opines that providing books for students is an important step as a librarian. it instills an interest in students to do their own research.
- Opines that they cannot trust test books unless they have more than one perspective. the treaties need to be exposed and the hard conditions and pressure that native people had to go through must be taught.
- Analyzes how minnesota became the state of minnesota after the dakotas and ojibwes became minnesota. mike mulcahy interviewed mary l. wingerd on minnesota public radio.
- Presents landsman, julie g., and chance w. lewis. white teachers/ diverse classrooms. sterling: stylus, 2011.
2137 wordsRead More - The Native Americans' Lack of Materialismexplanatory essayPeople have been living in America for countless years, even before Europeans had discovered and populated it. These people, named Native Americans or American Indians, have a unique and singular culture and lifestyle unlike any other. Native Americans were divided into several groups or tribes. Each one tribe developed an own language, housing, clothing, and other cultural aspects. As we take a look into their society’s customs we can learn additional information about the lives of these indigenous people of the United States.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that native americans, or american indians, have a unique and singular culture and lifestyle unlike any other. each tribe developed its own language, housing, clothing, and cultural aspects.
- Explains that native american tribes were separated by ethno-linguistic groups. the vast linguistic diversity was due to the isolation and disperses of the tribal groups throughout the united states.
- Explains that although language, clothing, and other customs differed between tribes, some aspects are shared between them.
- Explains that native american tribes tended to have traditional gender roles which are not as general today in our society. the women stayed home and cared for the young or the old of age, as well as made weapons and tools.
- Explains that native american tribe's music was a significant dynamic of their society. they used diverse instruments such as the flute, drums and rattle.
- Explains that the combination and conjunction of all these cultural aspects are what identifies each tribe and its people. the essence of the society the native americans lived in shows the minimalism of their times.
610 wordsRead More - American Indians: Health Disparities Researchopinion essayIn conclusion, the persistent disparities in American Indians and Alaska Natives communities are deeply rooted in historical trauma. To improve the health status of AI/AN there needs more American Indian/Alaska Natives delivery health care to the community. More importantly, tribal leaders and the AI/AN community must participate in raising the health status of the community. It should not take a congressional action to decrease the disparities plaguing the American Indian/Alaska Native communities.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that american indians have had health disparities due to unmet needs and historical traumatic experiences that have lasted over 500 hundred years.
- Explains that diabetes mellitus is an epidemic in american indian and alaska native communities.
- Explains that injuries are the leading cause of death for ages 1-44 years old in ai/an communities and the importance of effective injury prevention programs.
- Explains that cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease has become the leading cause of mortality for american indian/alaskan natives.
- Explains that the federal government has legal responsibility to provide health care to federally recognized american indians/alaska natives.
- Explains that indian health service provides health promotion to american indian and alaska native communities. ihs and tribes/nations partnered to improve prevention and treatment for ai/an peoples.
- Opines that there is a need for american indian health service professionals working in the community who understand the historical and current experiences of the people.
- Explains dr. giachello community based health education16 for american indians/alaska natives would deliver ai/an health works in a community setting, providing data on behaviors, preliminary health screening and risk classification, self-efficacy, and mental health.
- Concludes that the persistent disparities plaguing the american indian/alaska native communities are deeply rooted in historical trauma.
1153 wordsRead More - Effects Of Colonialism In Africaexplanatory essayProject, Harvard. The State of the Native Nations. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. 221-222.
In this essay, the author
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- Explains that colonialism has confounded and damaged numerous cultures and people. indigenous people have undergone massive modifications to their culture as well as spiritual beliefs and morals.
- Explains that exploration led to colonization and was carried out for many reasons including religion, status, economic purposes, resources and militarily tactical purposes.
- Explains how colonialism has shaped the contemporary understanding of individuals from niger, papua new guinea, and alaska.
- Explains that indigenous people face health problems, poverty, confusion with self-identity, and spiritual beliefs due to the colonial past of many cultures.
- Explains the link between poverty and mental distress, which leads to alcohol and drug abuse and suicide in young native american youth. alcohol-related death rates are 17 times the comparable level for all races.
- Explains that neocolonialism has devastating effects on global cultural groups.
- Concludes that colonialism has afflicted aboriginal people worldwide and has demonstrated perilous effects for countless cultures, languages, and traditions.
833 wordsRead More - Native American Culture Essayanalytical essayThe population of Native Americans living in poverty is double compared to the U.S overall population rate living in poverty. Williams wrote, “Unemployment is extremely high (90%on some Canadian reserves during winter months), and income levels are extremely low.” Federal housing program often allow Native Americans to be able to afford housing at low cost, but are not considered to be the best living conditions. Reservations are often located in rural areas where it is hard to obtain employment due to location and where access to resources is limited. In the article mentioned above Williams wrote, “Run down trailers and shacks are not uncommon.”(P.386) This kind of housing can be almost unlivable and sometimes even dangerous. It’s even common to see living situation without basic utilities of electricity or water in remote areas (Williams,
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the article "alcohol is something that been with us like a common cold" discusses perspectives from american indians on drinking patterns within their culture.
- Analyzes how native americans have been affected by the holocaust. they are well versed in using the land to take care of themselves and are self-reliant.
- Explains that alcoholism is a high-risk issue that needs to be addressed, especially when it comes to social service work and therapies.
- Opines that native american culture has a rich, strong heritage that thrives on their spiritual beliefs. therapies should have application of traditional practices and beliefs that can help them gain overall wellness.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that native americans have suffered from one of america's most profound ironies. the degradation of their surrounding lands has pushed them out of homes, made their people sick, or more susceptible to disease.
- Analyzes how the indian removal act forced americans indians from the east to western reservations in an ethnic cleansing process.
- Analyzes how the navajos were pushed out of resourceful lands in the 1960's. the four corner power plant in fruitland, new mexico, produced fly ash and polluted the environment.
- Explains that strip mining disrupts underwater land flow and poisons the water itself. the air and water are polluted, which harmfully affects plants and animals.
- Explains how a nuclear facility on prairie island, minnesota, produced fifteen percent of minnesota's power, but the community was ill-informed. in 1994, the minnesota legislature authorized an interim dump and placed seventeen casks of nuclear waste.
- Quotes gregory hooks and chad smith, who characterize the military damage to indian lands as part of an "environmental genocide." in the nineteenth century the united states forced nearly all native americans onto reservations located in western states.
- Explains that with the u.s. becoming the world's leading military power, wwii witnessed the maturation of chemical warfare and the birth of nuclear weapons.
- Argues that native americans are disproportionately at risk of toxic waste and environmental degradation. they are also prone to sickness and death because of unequal treatment to their land.
- Analyzes how the tohono o'odham tribe lost their lands and gained nothing in return. poverty continues to play a role in environmental racism, and employment assistance programs draws highly motivated american indians away from the reservations for college study or work opportunities.
- Explains adamson, joni, grinde, donald, and bruce johansen. ecocide of native america: environmental destruction of indian lands and peoples.
2091 wordsRead More - Native American Historyexplanatory essayConditions on reservations were still poor. Since the 1950's Native Americans became relocated from reservations to big cities hoping that they would find jobs. In the 1960's, during the War on Poverty , the government increased funds for health care, education, and job training which improved living conditions. ( Barret 2003: 478- 482)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that christopher columbus was the first european to come to america, but the vikings reached america about 1000. according to the norse sagas, leif, the son of erik the red, explored the area of canada, and called it vinland.
- Explains that the first americans arrived in alaska from siberia using a 1,500 km wide land bridge across the bering sea.
- Explains that the first native cultures were known as the mound builders, because of the habit of creating large earthworks for religious, ceremonial and burial purposes.
- Narrates how christopher columbus, a sailor born in 1451 in italy, started asking european rulers for financing his expedition to the indies. he won the support of ferdinand and isabella.
- Describes how the arawak indians greeted columbus in the bahamas and exchanged goods with him.
- Explains the relationship between the settlers and the native americans. the first british colony, jamestown, was established in 1607.
- Explains how the settlers moved indians west, destroying villages, and barbarically murdering. the pequot war, led by metacon, took place in 1675 and lasted 14 months.
- Explains that the movement to remove all indians from their land to indian territory began in 1865.
2653 wordsRead More - To What Extent did Native American Participation in World War I Affect their Attainment of Statusanalytical essayChampagne, Duane. The Native North American almanac: a reference work on native North Americans in the United States and Canada. Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research, 1994. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the investigation seeks to determine whether world war i was the predominant cause of the united states granting citizenship to native americans in the early 20th century.
- Explains how the citizenship act affected the evolving state of native americans as inhabitants of the united states.
- Explains that jackson's non-fiction book, a century of dishonor, and meriam’s letters during the survey of indian affairs, were written for the purpose of describing the conditions that native americans were facing.
- Analyzes how the occurrence of world war i and the indian citizenship act of 1924 seem to coincide, but evidence of historical trends suggests that changes in native american policy are brought about by periods of increased activism.
- Analyzes how the snyder act prevented native americans from claiming services based on treaties, and the indian citizenship act granted immediate citizenship to all natives born within united states jurisdiction.
- Explains that the indian citizenship act of 1924 was not an isolated event in the progression of native american legal status.
- Explains that the native north american almanac is a reference work on native north americans in the united states and canada.
1744 wordsRead More - Native Americanexplanatory essayHistory has taken its toll on the Native American people. Native Americans have been subjected to physical, psychological, and spiritual abuse. Today many Native American’s face issues with drug and alcohol dependence as well as poverty and violence. One explanation is offered through Historical or Intergenerational trauma (source) it could be understandable that a race of people that had been slaughtered, enslaved, forced to relocate from their homes, and forced to give up their religious beliefs, and only retaining 4% of their own land, would have lingering psychological damage on the Native American people.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american indians were one of the first groups to face prejudice and discrimination in the united states and probably the world. the first acts of violence against them dates back as far as the 15th century.
- Explains that native americans have been subjected to discrimination and prejudice since the spanish colonization of the americas in the 15th century.
- Explains that the indian removal act of 1830 was the forced government relocation of native american tribes. the conditions on the trail were so difficult that many of the cherokee people died.
- Explains that the united states government forced native american's out of their homes in the 1950s. the urban relocation act helped native americans assimilate into cities, where jobs are plentiful.
- Explains that native americans are alcoholics, lazy, violent, and receive money from the government. alcoholism is a health concern for some, but not all are heavy drinkers.
- Explains that discrimination has been an issue for the native americans since the arrival of immigrants in the 15th century. europeans tried to "civilize" native american's.
- Explains that until recently, physical attacks were a constant factor in the treatment of the native american people.
- Opines that history has taken its toll on the native american people.
834 wordsRead More