Non-recognized Native American descended people are among the most at risk for completely losing their identity. We so often hear about the plight of the reservation people, but how often do we hear about the plight of non-recognized Indian people? When you see these mixed-bloods do not heap more derision upon a people that have suffered. Do not think of them as “wannabes,”“thin-bloods,” “little-bloods,” or “hobbyists.” Do not think of them as “twinkies,” ”new agers,” or as “culture vultures.” They have been through enough and they still struggle with their identity and reviving their cultures.
This is ridiculous. I'm sorry if I am ignorant of what it means about "identity" but I'm sorry, I just don't buy into this type of thing.
I seriously have no wish to offend tons of people here, or anywhere, but "identity" is more than just who your gg mother or father is.. or who your other ancestors were. The knowledge of 'knowing' who your ancestors were is great.. but it doesn't make your identity imo. Can be PART of it, ok.. sure.. but if your identity in this world is based solely on who your ancestors were, I dunno, that sounds 'lost' to me already.
Of course, I can only speak from my own experience of being alive. My identity comes from the inside of me, I know who I am. If I suddenly found out my ancestors where this or that peoples.. it wouldn't change my identity in this world.. I am still who I am.
I do not understand this 'loss of identity' argument from ADULTS who've probably grown up in a normal ( as per normal standards ) house with some parents and maybe some siblings. Aunts, uncles and cousins. Growing up. Then.. suddenly all that is 'lost' because of some ancestors? And because they aren't 'recognized' as NDN? If that's the case, then these people have other issues that are perhaps more serious than Identity..
To me, sounds like cry babies who want someone to feel sorry for them. Again, I am not trying to bash people who feel a sense of 'identity' to their ancestors..
I don't know, I have no sense of identity to any of my ancestors... but I still have my own identity.. so.. I don't know. It doesn't seem right to me, and seems instead.. a whiners call to pity them..
Instead, strive to offer support to them for they are your brothers and sisters sharing a common history of colonial devastation and assimilation. They may not all look like you and, in fact, many may look African or European, but they are Native American descended people who are constantly denied their history, identity and religious freedom. They do not have reservations or access to the types of funding that federally recognized tribes enjoy. They are the poorest and most oppressed in Indian country. In fact, this segment of the Native American population is the most beset upon ethnic group in the United States today. What other ethnic group can claim that their 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion is contingent upon being federally recognized?
Again, I am hoping I am not offending tons of people when I say this.. but... this is ludicrous. I think the only sentence in here that makes sense as to WHY these people are crying is in regards to the 'FUNDING'.
All I see are people looking to something on the outside for their identity, religious, spiritual, needs. If they want to know who they are, and if they want to practice some sort of spiritual living, all they need to do is look within.. a lot. It isn't against the law.
Once again, all I see are humans looking to other humans for their needs and answers to be met. Look again.
Maybe because I've always been alone I have a different perspective. Yes, it's great to have someone to talk to.. but.. for what this article is saying.. holy cow man.. Apparently these peoples Lives, Sanity, and Spiritual Well Being are entirely up to you all and by giving them recognition.. you provide them with all they need? That's a whole lot of responsibility to put on some other person or people. Sorry, but I don't want anyone else to be responsible for my sense of Identity, or for my Religious/Spiritual practices..
And why do they need someone to say they are who they are so they can practice whatever beliefs they happen to have? I don't think their 'religious freedoms' are compromised by not being 'recognized' as NDN .. I think this whole logic and argument is silly.. in that.. if You feel you are someone, then be that someone, you don't need anyone to tell you you are someone or not..
And.. in regards to NDN's issues .. I say again, that if a descendant really respects where they have come from, then they will not trample on it.. and rip it off .. and take chunks of it as their claim.. doing so, only shows that they don't really care... IMO.
