We Are Still Here.
moving native americans from the past to the present
We Are a Nation within a Nation (A&E Network Interview)
Most people are surprised to learn that Native Americans still exist. They think that Native people died with the buffalo. Or, if they do realize that we are still here, they have many misconceptions and stereotypes such as we all wear feathers and headdresses, we are savages, or we are mere mascots for sports teams.
This gross ignorance is preventing real change from happening. For non-Natives, it perpetuates an inauthentic whitewashed history of America and its native people. For tribal communities, it means being misunderstood as only a set of statistics that point to poverty, low socioeconomic status, and dependency on government hand-outs.
Achieving change toward a more just and equitable society requires American Indians and non-Indians to challenge the status quo. The erasure of Indian tribes and communities prevents Americans from learning and fully understanding that 576 Indian tribes govern as sovereign nations over their inhabitants and land. That in turn deprives Indian tribes and communities of trusting non-Indians as partners, when the reality is one’s progress is dependent on the other.
True partnership is not based on stereotypes and suspicion. Both Indians and non-Indians must join together to effectuate long-lasting solutions. This begins with cross-cultural education, community action, and advocacy for change.
Let's work together.
Faith Roessel is a lawyer and member of the Navajo Nation who advocates on behalf of American Indian tribes and communities. Having had a varied career in law, policy, government and education, Faith continues her work between Washington, D.C. and her Navajo community of Round Rock, Arizona.
The stark contrast is a constant reminder of institutional policies and systemic disparities that deprive Indian tribes, communities and residents of their “American Dream” and a quality of life that most Americans take for granted.
Faith’s core value is in order for American Indians to achieve full actualization of their constitutional place in the United States, it depends on the understanding and partnership amongst and between Natives and non-Natives.
Faith is passionate about leading projects that empower American Indians and communities; she is currently working on Covid-19 relief efforts, access to computers and educational resources, and criminal justice reform.
