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.
The last US census showed that Native Americans are now a small minority in the country that they've been inhabiting for centuries. Most are American Indians but the group also includes tribes indigenous to Hawaii and Alaska. Contrary to popular belief, the majority o not live in reservations but in cities where they may have to deal with various issues because of their ethnicity.
The way in which indigenous Americans have been portrayed by the film industry through the years has led to one of the biggest problems they face today, that of stereotypes. Many non-native people think of them as either the noble and wise old man who speaks in riddles, the fiery warrior with the flowing hair and shrill cry, the silly helper or the violent and hopeless drunk. However, there is much more variety among the descendants of the first Americans. For this reason some groups specifically aim to get rid of these stereotypes and to educate others about their people.
Another focus for many groups is the fight against discrimination. They fight for indigenous rights and political representation. Some groups also concentrate on promoting their tribal culture and traditions.
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.
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.
Just like in society as a whole, indigenous peoples also struggle with environmental issues. The Indigenous Environmental Network is one organization that tries to find ways to address and prevent environmental problems on a more general scale. Often there are also more grassroots groups that deal with a specific issue, for instance plans for mining or fracking on their land.
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.
The last US census showed that Native Americans are now a small minority in the country that they've been inhabiting for centuries. Most are American Indians but the group also includes tribes indigenous to Hawaii and Alaska. Contrary to popular belief, the majority o not live in reservations but in cities where they may have to deal with various issues because of their ethnicity.
The way in which indigenous Americans have been portrayed by the film industry through the years has led to one of the biggest problems they face today, that of stereotypes. Many non-native people think of them as either the noble and wise old man who speaks in riddles, the fiery warrior with the flowing hair and shrill cry, the silly helper or the violent and hopeless drunk. However, there is much more variety among the descendants of the first Americans. For this reason some groups specifically aim to get rid of these stereotypes and to educate others about their people.
Another focus for many groups is the fight against discrimination. They fight for indigenous rights and political representation. Some groups also concentrate on promoting their tribal culture and traditions.
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.
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.
Just like in society as a whole, indigenous peoples also struggle with environmental issues. The Indigenous Environmental Network is one organization that tries to find ways to address and prevent environmental problems on a more general scale. Often there are also more grassroots groups that deal with a specific issue, for instance plans for mining or fracking on their land.
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.
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