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From cities to reserves: Why do 70% of indigenous people choose to live in cities?
The issues facing modern Native Americans in the United States reflect many of the challenges of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, and they are deeply rooted in every aspect of society. According to statistics, more than one-third of indigenous people live in states such as California, Arizona and Oklahoma, and the distribution of indigenous populations in these areas shows an urbanization trend. In fact, 70% of Aboriginal people choose to live in cities, a significant increase from 45% in 1970 and 8% in 1940.
The phenomenon reflects the impact of government forced relocation policies, such as the Indian Resettlement Act of 1956, and the demand for services such as health care in cities.
The current Native communities are showing a trend of growth and recovery, not only playing a larger role in the U.S. economy, but also playing an important role in the lives of Native people. Many Native tribes have established their own governments, which manage a number of services including fire protection, social services and law enforcement. In addition, many tribes have established technical colleges and court systems to resolve issues related to local ordinances.
These communities struggle to find various forms of moral and social authority, often relying on restorative justice from tribal cultures.
However, with the change in lifestyle, indigenous people also face many problems in cultural identity and social challenges. Based on some observations, many Americans have only a vague understanding of the challenges currently facing Native people, although they are generally open-minded.
Evolution of terminology
In usage, the indigenous people of the United States are often referred to as Indians or American Indians. According to a 1995 U.S. Census Bureau survey, more indigenous people prefer the term "American Indian." Despite the different names, many uses of these terms have become interchangeable, and some scholars have argued that the term "Indian" should be considered obsolete or offensive today.
However, many Native Americans still find the term "American Indian" more personally identifiable.
This discussion about terminology reflects deeper social identities and historical memories. For example, in some indigenous communities, the pursuit and reflection on cultural identity is still prevalent.
Social discrimination and racism
While some non-Indigenous people may be sympathetic, they know little about the current issues facing Indigenous people. A 2007 study showed that many non-Indigenous people said they had little contact with Indigenous people in their daily lives, while Indigenous people felt they still faced prejudice and unfair treatment in society.
In addition, for Aboriginal people, the language achievement gap raises many issues. To stave off the spread of English, some indigenous tribes have started language immersion schools.
Indigenous Images and Environmental Justice
The use of Aboriginal imagery in the movement has drawn criticism from many, with many arguing that it reinforces stereotypes about Aboriginal culture. The roots of discrimination extend beyond sports to include inequities in land use and urban planning.
In the United States, many indigenous lands have been developed and plundered of resources, and some have even become garbage dumps and sites for testing nuclear weapons, which has posed numerous challenges to the environment and survival of indigenous peoples.
Indigenous peoples’ choice to live in cities is not simply due to economic factors, but also due to deeper social support, the need for cultural resources and an urgent need for medical services. This phenomenon deserves widespread attention and discussion.
In this ever-changing society, how do indigenous people still maintain their cultural identity and social status?
