The Unheard Voices of Native Americans in North Texas Ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election
As the country gears up for the 2024 presidential election, many Native Americans in North Texas are expressing deep concerns that their voices are not being adequately heard. This sentiment reflects a broader struggle for recognition and representation that resonates deeply within their communities.
Alarm Over Sovereignty
For many Native Americans, the foremost issue is sovereignty. Jodi Voice Yellowfish, chair of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman Texas Rematriate and a member of multiple Indigenous tribes, points out that both major political parties in the Dallas metroplex are failing to engage with Native communities. “There’s an ignorance around sovereignty," she explains, lamenting that candidates often overlook the unique legal and cultural status of Native nations.
Representation and Demographics
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that a mere 0.6% of Dallas’s population identifies as American Indian or Alaska Native. However, this statistic obscures the reality of the Indigenous community’s presence. Stephen Silva Brave, a Lakota Nation member and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington, notes that many Indigenous individuals do not identify solely as Native on census forms. “We’re not as small as the 0.6% would make us look,” he asserts, explaining that multiracial identities complicate how Native populations are counted.
The Legacy of the Indian Relocation Act
Understanding the political dynamics faced by urban Natives requires a retrospective look at history. The Indian Relocation Act of 1956 aimed to encourage Native Americans to leave their reservations and integrate into urban life. While this led to significant urban migration, it diluted Indigenous cultural connections and encumbered tribal ties. “It was just like, it’s a worthless fight,” Silva Brave recalls, describing the challenges faced by those who moved.
Political Apathy and Distrust
This historical context feeds into a pervasive sense of political apathy within the Native community, deeply rooted in a history of disillusionment with the government. Silva Brave articulates this sentiment: “American Indians have gone through so much—genocide, wars, famine, boarding schools, relocation—and through all of it, we’re still here.” For many, the belief is that political participation may not yield meaningful change.
Shared Struggles and Activism
Despite feelings of disenfranchisement, there is a growing awareness of global struggles particularly among younger Natives. Silva Brave and Rogelio Meixueiro, chair of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Texas Democratic Party, highlight a connection between the plight of Native Americans and international issues, such as the Palestinian cause. Meixueiro asserts, “You can’t be telling Native American people what genocide is,” contextualizing the struggle against colonialism and imperialism as interconnected experiences.
The Vital Importance of ICWA
Central to the conversation around Native sovereignty is the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), implemented in 1978 as a response to the systemic removal of Native children from their families. Voice Yellowfish emphasizes that ICWA is a critical mechanism for preserving Native identity and ensuring Native children are placed in culturally appropriate homes. Silva Brave adds that the potential overturning of ICWA presents a serious threat to tribal sovereignty; he suggests that the act serves as a bellwether for broader Indigenous rights.
Ongoing Threats and Advocacy
Despite ICWA’s protections, issues persist within the child welfare system. Sandra Blackbear Ramirez, a member of the Kiowa tribe, recalls her years as a nurse consultant for Texas Child Protective Services, where she identified that many Native children were not recognized in official counts due to systemic oversights. She urges greater funding and awareness for Native-specific welfare programs to address the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous families.
Education and Representation
Another critical aspect of the conversation involves the need for better representation in public education and governance. Advocates like Silva Brave argue for the establishment of Native Studies programs in schools to enhance understanding and awareness. Furthermore, he points out that the struggle against projects like SpaceX near tribal lands represents an ongoing fight to protect Indigenous territories from development that threatens their cultural and environmental heritage.
The Political Landscape
With elections approaching, the voting power of Native Americans is often underestimated. While research shows that a significant portion of Indigenous voters leans Democratic, some tribal leaders stress the importance of engaging with both political parties. Nita Battise, tribal council vice chairperson for the Alabama Coushatta, illustrates the importance of bipartisanship in keeping Native issues on the political agenda. “By maintaining bipartisanship, you have the attention of both parties,” she explains.
Challenges at the Polls
One of the pressing issues is ensuring Native Americans have the means to vote. Meixueiro recounts cases where individuals were turned away from polls despite presenting valid tribal identification, which is accepted under federal law. This administrative oversight exacerbates the issue of voter representation and underscores a systematic attempt to marginalize Indigenous voices.
Moving Forward
As the election year intensifies, Indigenous advocates stress the necessity for authentic engagement with political candidates, primarily through listening to and addressing Indigenous concerns. Silva Brave notes a need for more representatives who genuinely support Native issues, emphasizing the importance of sharing their narratives to reshape the political discourse. Their ongoing fight, fueled by a complex history and the quest for recognition, remains critical as North Texas stands at a political crossroads.