11.4 Contemporary Native American activism and social justice movements
4 min read•august 9, 2024
Native American activism has evolved to address contemporary issues. From environmental protection to sovereignty, Indigenous people fight for their rights and land. These movements blend traditional knowledge with modern tactics, creating powerful calls for justice.
Social issues like violence against Indigenous women and remain critical. Native activists use social media, protests, and policy advocacy to raise awareness and push for change, continuing the legacy of Indigenous resistance.
Indigenous Environmental Activism
Standing Rock Sioux Protest and Dakota Access Pipeline
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- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe led massive protests against in 2016-2017
- Dakota Access Pipeline threatened sacred sites and water supply of Standing Rock Reservation
- Protesters called themselves "" emphasizing
- Thousands of Native and non-Native supporters joined camps near pipeline construction
- Protest tactics included prayer ceremonies, direct action, and legal challenges
- Law enforcement responded with militarized tactics (water cannons, rubber bullets, tear gas)
- Obama administration halted pipeline construction in December 2016
- Trump administration reversed decision, allowing pipeline completion in 2017
- Standing Rock protest became symbol of Indigenous resistance and environmental justice
Climate Justice and Indigenous Environmental Activism
- Indigenous communities often disproportionately affected by climate change impacts
- Native activists emphasize in addressing environmental issues
- movement links environmental concerns with social and economic equity
- coordinates Native environmental activism across North America
- Native activists participate in global climate conferences and negotiations
- Tribal nations develop climate adaptation plans incorporating traditional practices
- Indigenous-led renewable energy projects emerge as alternatives to fossil fuel development
- Native youth play significant role in environmental activism ()
Indigenous Sovereignty Movements
Idle No More Movement
- began in Canada in 2012 as grassroots movement for Indigenous rights
- Sparked by Canadian government's omnibus budget bill C-45 threatening Indigenous treaty rights
- Movement quickly spread across Canada and into United States
- Utilized social media to organize protests, teach-ins, and flash mobs
- Focused on protecting land and water rights, and asserting tribal sovereignty
- Employed round dances in public spaces as form of peaceful protest
- Brought international attention to Indigenous issues in North America
- Revitalized Indigenous activism and inspired new generation of Native leaders
- Continues to advocate for Indigenous rights and decolonization efforts
Land Back Movement
- Land Back calls for return of ancestral lands to Indigenous control
- Movement gained prominence in 2020 but rooted in long history of
- Advocates for legal return of public lands to tribal nations
- Emphasizes restoration of Indigenous land stewardship practices
- Challenges colonial property concepts and emphasizes Indigenous relationships to land
- Includes efforts to remove racist monuments and rename geographic features
- Promotes Indigenous-led conservation efforts and co-management of public lands
- Connects land rights to broader issues of cultural preservation and self-determination
- Utilizes social media campaigns and direct action to raise awareness
Contemporary Social Issues
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Crisis
- MMIW refers to disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls
- Crisis affects both United States and Canada, with thousands of cases unreported or uninvestigated
- Factors contributing to crisis include jurisdictional issues, systemic racism, and lack of resources
- Grassroots organizations lead efforts to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes
- used to represent missing and murdered Indigenous women
- May 5th recognized as in United States
- and passed in 2020 to address MMIW crisis
- Tribal nations develop their own databases and search teams to address missing persons cases
- Movement connects violence against Indigenous women to broader issues of colonialism and sovereignty
Native American Mascot Controversy
- Long-standing debate over use of Native American imagery and names in sports teams
- Critics argue mascots perpetuate harmful stereotypes and cultural appropriation
- Supporters claim mascots honor Native American heritage and traditions
- leads efforts to retire Native mascots since 1968
- retired "Redskins" name and logo in 2020 after decades of protest
- announced retirement of "Indians" name in 2020, effective 2022
- NCAA banned use of hostile or abusive Native American mascots in postseason play in 2005
- State-level legislation introduced to ban Native mascots in public schools
- Debate extends beyond sports to commercial products and cultural representations
- Native activists emphasize importance of self-representation and accurate cultural education
Key Terms to Review (21)
Cleveland baseball team: The Cleveland baseball team, previously known as the Indians, is a professional baseball franchise in Major League Baseball (MLB) based in Cleveland, Ohio. The team faced significant scrutiny for its use of Native American imagery and the name 'Indians,' which many viewed as disrespectful and perpetuating stereotypes. This issue ties into broader themes of contemporary Native American activism and social justice movements, as advocates sought to address cultural appropriation and promote respect for Indigenous identities.
Climate justice: Climate justice refers to the ethical and political issues surrounding climate change, emphasizing that those who are least responsible for climate change, typically marginalized and Indigenous communities, are often the most affected by its impacts. It connects environmental sustainability with social equity, advocating for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental policy-making processes.
Cultural Appropriation in Sports Mascots: Cultural appropriation in sports mascots refers to the practice of using Native American imagery, names, and symbols in team branding and mascot design without the consent or involvement of the Indigenous communities they represent. This often perpetuates stereotypes and can be seen as disrespectful, reducing rich cultural identities to caricatures for entertainment purposes. The conversation around this issue has gained momentum as Indigenous activists and allies work to challenge these representations and advocate for social justice.
Dakota Access Pipeline: The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,172-mile underground oil pipeline that transports crude oil from the Bakken Formation in North Dakota to a terminal in Illinois. The construction and operation of the DAPL have sparked significant controversy and protest, especially among Native American communities, as it poses potential environmental threats and violates treaty rights regarding land use and water protection.
Environmental Stewardship: Environmental stewardship refers to the responsible management and care of the natural environment through sustainable practices that preserve ecosystems and biodiversity. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between human needs and the health of the planet, integrating ecological considerations into cultural and economic decisions.
Idle No More: Idle No More is a grassroots movement that emerged in Canada in late 2012, focusing on Indigenous rights, environmental issues, and social justice. The movement encourages Indigenous peoples and their allies to stand up against government policies that threaten their land, water, and rights, advocating for self-determination and respect for treaty agreements. It has become a symbol of contemporary Indigenous activism, inspiring many to engage in protests and discussions around tribal sovereignty and the broader challenges facing Native American communities.
Indigenous environmental network: An indigenous environmental network is a collaborative organization that focuses on environmental issues affecting Indigenous peoples and their lands, cultures, and rights. These networks work to unite Indigenous communities to share knowledge, advocate for environmental justice, and engage in sustainable practices that honor traditional ecological knowledge. By connecting various tribes and organizations, these networks promote solidarity among Indigenous communities and highlight the importance of their voices in environmental decision-making processes.
Indigenous land reclamation: Indigenous land reclamation refers to the efforts by Indigenous peoples to reclaim and restore control over their ancestral lands that were taken or appropriated, often through colonization or government policies. This process includes legal battles, protests, and community organizing aimed at regaining access to traditional territories for cultural, spiritual, and economic reasons. It highlights the ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities for recognition of their rights and sovereignty in a contemporary context.
Indigenous sovereignty movements: Indigenous sovereignty movements refer to the efforts by Native peoples to reclaim their rights to self-determination, governance, and autonomy over their lands, cultures, and resources. These movements are rooted in the belief that Indigenous nations have the inherent right to govern themselves and maintain their cultural identities, often in response to historical injustices, colonization, and ongoing marginalization. By advocating for sovereignty, Indigenous groups seek to restore their political power and address social justice issues affecting their communities.
Land back movement: The land back movement is a collective effort advocating for the return of Indigenous lands to their original stewards, aiming to restore sovereignty and ensure environmental stewardship. This movement highlights the historical injustices faced by Native American communities and seeks to address the ongoing effects of colonialism by reclaiming ancestral territories. It emphasizes not just physical land but also the cultural, spiritual, and ecological relationships that Indigenous peoples have with their lands.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Crisis: The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis refers to the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous women in North America, highlighting systemic issues such as racism, colonialism, and inadequate law enforcement responses. This crisis is characterized by the disproportionate number of Indigenous women who go missing or are murdered compared to other demographic groups, drawing attention to the broader social justice issues faced by Native communities. The MMIW crisis has mobilized Indigenous activists and allies to demand justice, accountability, and systemic change.
National Congress of American Indians: The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest and largest national organization representing tribal governments and Indigenous peoples in the United States. Established in 1944, NCAI works to advocate for the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes, address social justice issues, and promote cultural preservation and community development.
National Day of Awareness for MMIW: The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is observed annually on May 5 to draw attention to the disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous women in North America. This day serves as a platform for raising awareness, honoring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and advocating for justice and policy changes to address this ongoing crisis. It reflects a broader movement for social justice and recognition of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
Not Invisible Act: The Not Invisible Act is a significant legislative initiative aimed at addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in the United States. This act emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to improve data collection, enhance coordination between federal, state, and tribal authorities, and promote community engagement in prevention and response efforts. By recognizing that Indigenous women are often overlooked in discussions of violence and injustice, the Not Invisible Act seeks to elevate their visibility and ensure that their experiences are addressed within broader social justice movements.
Red dress symbol: The red dress symbol represents the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women in North America, particularly focusing on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). This symbol has become a powerful emblem for raising awareness about this issue, calling attention to the social injustices faced by Indigenous communities and emphasizing the need for action and systemic change. It reflects both mourning and empowerment, fostering solidarity in contemporary Native American activism and social justice movements.
Savanna's Act: Savanna's Act is a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the high rates of violence against Native American women and improving the federal government's response to these issues. Named after Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a young woman who was tragically murdered in 2017, the Act emphasizes the need for better data collection and increased coordination among law enforcement agencies to combat violence and enhance victim services within Native communities.
Standing Rock Sioux Protests: The Standing Rock Sioux Protests were a series of demonstrations that took place from 2016 to 2017 against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), which was intended to transport crude oil across four states, including through sacred lands and under the Missouri River near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. These protests highlighted broader issues of Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and the impact of colonialism on Native communities, becoming a significant moment in contemporary Native American activism and social justice movements.
Traditional ecological knowledge: Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the understanding and insights gained by Indigenous peoples through generations of interaction with their environment, which includes practices, beliefs, and values that guide resource management and sustainability. This knowledge is rooted in a deep connection to the land and encompasses an intricate understanding of ecosystems, species, and natural processes.
Washington Football Team: The Washington Football Team, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, is a professional American football team based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The team's name change in 2020 was driven by significant pressure from activists and social justice movements advocating against the use of Native American imagery and names in sports, connecting deeply to contemporary Native American activism and social justice movements.
Water protectors: Water protectors are individuals, often from Indigenous communities, who actively engage in the protection of water resources, advocating for the preservation of water and opposing projects that threaten its purity and availability. This movement connects deeply to broader contemporary activism aimed at social justice, environmental sustainability, and Indigenous rights, as it embodies the fight against corporate and governmental policies that endanger natural resources vital for life and cultural identity.
Youth climate intervenors: Youth climate intervenors are young activists who take a stand in advocating for climate justice and environmental sustainability, often engaging in direct action, policy advocacy, and community organizing to demand systemic changes from governments and corporations. This movement is characterized by the passionate involvement of youth who see the urgent need to address climate change as it directly impacts their futures. They often amplify Indigenous perspectives, seeking to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into modern environmental practices.