Native American Culture

A subject very near and dear to my heart is the continued support and assistance to Native American people. If you have not read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee you should do so as soon as you have the opportunity. Go to the library and check it out or purchase it, but definitely read it. It is an extremely important piece of literature that captures the heartbreak and cruel genocide of the Native Americans.

While there is nothing we can do to change the past, what we can and should do is change the future for these people. Native Americans today are beset by poverty, as a result of generations of feeling "forgotten" and "inconsequential". We can help these citizens get the care and respect they deserve by doing our part. Want to help? Visit:

Native American College Fund
Keep Tribal Colleges going! This ensures that future generations of Native Americans can get the quality of education they deserve.

First Nations
According to the site: "Through a three-pronged strategy of Educating Grassroots Practitioners, Advocating Systemic Change, and Capitalizing Indian Communities, First Nations Development Institute is working to restore Native control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own - be they land, human potential, cultural heritage, or natural resources - and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native communities."

Futures for Children
The site says:
"28% of American Indian children drop out of school in the Futures service area (data from US Census 2000)
96% of Futures for Children American Indian students are promoted a grade level or graduate high school
A world of possibilities is provided to American Indian children with your help through Futures for Childrens' Three Circles of Support::
Mentorship
Youth Leadership
Families in Action"

Native American Heritage Association
For as little as $15 you can "help the Native American Heritage Association supply hundreds of Native American families on the tribal reservations of South Dakota with such basic essential items as food, clothing, medical transportation, emergency vouchers and other needs as they occur.

Trees, Water, & People
For any amount, you can help the site realize this aspiration: "Trees, Water & People's Tribal Lands Renewable Energy program puts the power of nature — the warmth of the sun, the power of the wind, the shelter of trees — to work for Native Americans. Working with reservations communities, TWP plants windbreak and shade trees around homes, and builds and installs supplemental solar heaters for families in need. These solutions are sustainable, economically beneficial, environmentally friendly, and celebrate the Native Americans' respect for Mother Earth."

These are a very small number of charities that help our first people of this nation. I will revisit this topic as frequently as I can, and add more as I research them. If you have no way to donate money at this time, you can still:

--EDUCATE yourself about the plight of Native Americans. The more you know, the more you can help.
--EDUCATE others. Talk to those you know about this problem; get their feedback. You may be surprised by how many friends and family a) don't know about this topic, or b) have ideas on how to help.
--TEACH your children about Native Americans. Too much is left out in standard education. The more children who grow up being aware of this culture, the better the future will be for everyone involved.
--Remember to donate clothes to your local missions or shelters, and food to your local food bank. This is good for everyone, of course, but many Native Americans rely on these projects.
--Check back here from time to time; as I do more research I'll give more ideas for helping our Native American neighbors!