Non-Scholarly Resources
This page is dedicated to providing trusted native American views on Native American topics, spanning historical, cultural, social, and contemporary perspectives. Our goal is to support native American voices, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the diverse Native American communities from firsthand views.
Blood Quantum
Blood Quantum is a term used to describe the system of measuring Indigenous ancestry by quantifying the proportion of “Indian blood” a person has. Introduced by colonial governments and remains a controversial topic in discussions about Indigenous identity, tribal enrollment, and sovereignty.
Resources
- An article exploring the history and impact of blood quantum, especially its role in limiting Native American citizenship.
- High Country News – A detailed discussion of how blood quantum has shaped tribal sovereignty and identity.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People crisis highlights issues of inequality and injustice faced by Indigenous peoples. A crisis disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities, where Indigenous women, girls and people experience high rates of violence, disappearances, and murder in comparison to other populations.
Resources
USA today – Missing and murdered indigenous people crisis
- A comprehensive overview of the MMIW crisis and the systemic issues at play.
- Article determines the cities with the highest rates of MMIW, and investigates into the root causes for this national crisis.
Member Enrollment
Member enrollment refers to the process by which individuals are officially recognized as members of a specific Native American tribe or nation. This process is deeply tied to tribal sovereignty, as each tribe has the authority to define its own membership criteria based on its laws and traditions. It determines who can participate in the governance and cultural life of a tribe, influencing the future of tribal nations.
Resources
- Provides information on guidelines for tribal enrollment, which involves determining membership eligibility for federally recognized tribes.
Revitalizing the Language
Revitalizing the language refers to efforts to preserve, restore, and promote the use of Indigenous languages that have been endangered or lost due to centuries of colonization, assimilation policies, and cultural suppression. These efforts are crucial for maintaining cultural identity, heritage, and sovereignty among Native American communities.
Resources
National Museum of American Indian Culture
- Highlights the broader significance of Native languages as a vital expression of cultural identity and resilience. It emphasizes the importance of language preservation, tying historical contributions to ongoing efforts to revitalize and sustain Native languages.
Deforestation
Deforestation refers to the large-scale clearing of forests and its impact on Native peoples, their lands, and their traditional ways of life. For many Indigenous groups, forests are not only homes but also spiritual, cultural, and economic foundations. Deforestation poses existential threats to these communities.
Resources
- Explains how deforestation in the Amazon affects not only the environment but also Indigenous peoples who rely on the land.
