By Brittney Hodnik
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON, United States – November is Native American Heritage month; a time to reflect on the history, hardships, and culture of Native Americans in the United States.  Even today, there is ignorance throughout the United States reflected in stereotypes and norms.  In addition, there are still disparities in everything ranging from schooling and foster care, to dental needs.

November is a month to remember the culture and heritage of Native Americans from the past and present.  George H.W. Bush first recognized Native American Heritage month in 1990 and it has been in place ever since.  More than ever, we need a time to remember and reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the Native Americans in the United States.

Just a few days ago, Kris Jenner, the celebrity mother and agent of Kim Kardashian, made a very offensive statement on national television.  As reported by the Huffington Post, Jenner was commenting on whether her recently divorced daughter was going to keep the $2 million engagement ring: “I hate an Indian giver.  It’s a gift… keep your gift,” she said on Good Morning America.

The National Congress of American Indians is furious over the comments, saying that they were “wrong and hurtful,” according to the Huffington Post.  “Once again American Indians and Alaska Natives have been misrepresented by a single misinformed statement.”  The Congress went on to invite Jenner and her family to learn more about Native Americans during this month.

Beyond stereotypes and hurtful words, there are still real issues when it comes to lifestyle in general, and basic necessities.  For example, MedPage Today recently reported that Native Americans’ dental needs are not being met.  Among 135 Native American adults from the Oglala Lakota Tribe examined for the study, 97% had one or more decayed teeth, along with 84% of 157 children.  Additionally, missing teeth and periodontal disease were prevalent. 

The study suggested that this disparity is due to behavioral and structural factors alike.  Much of the Oglala Lakota Tribe’s diet has been replaced with high-sugar foods and very few fruits and vegetables.  Additionally, tobacco use (both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco) is prevalent, according to MedPage Today.  Lack of federal money and a limited access to dental clinics may also be at blame.

Another struggle that Native Americans contend with is poor foster care for children.  National Public Radio (“NPR”) reports that on average, 700 Native American children are removed from their South Dakota homes, sometimes in violation of federal law.  NPR reports that sometimes the children’s removal is necessary, to keep them safe from alcoholism and abuse, but many times the circumstances under which they are removed are questionable at best. 

Although progress has been made from a time where all children were removed around age 5 and placed in boarding schools, it is still a disturbing figure.  Native American children have historically been forcibly assimilated into white culture.  NPR emphasized that this removal is not specific to South Dakota, but it is happening throughout the different tribes all across the United States.  There is a serious lack of resources for Native Americans in many aspects of life, and foster care is not immune from that.

Yet another disturbing trend is the high rates of prostitution in the Native American community and the high rates of abuse against women.  The Daily Beast prepared a story on a study conducted by non-profit organization, Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition.  The study finds that, after speaking with more than 100 Native American women who currently prostitute themselves, 92% of the women had been raped, 84% were physically assaulted, and 72% suffered traumatic brain injuries in prostitution.

Further, 98% of the women were either currently homeless or had previously been homeless at some point.  Seventy-nine percent of the women said they had been sexually abused as children.  These women admit they would like to get out of prostitution but there are just no resources to help them.  The women also face racist a degrading comments from the men seeking their services.  One woman told The Daily Beast, “A john said to me, ‘I thought we killed all of you.’”

Native women are facing these terrible issues and have nowhere to turn for help.  This disturbing trend seems to go unnoticed throughout the country.

So while we use this month to celebrate and learn about the culture and heritage of the Native American people, we should also reflect on some of the issues they still face today.  Native Americans are among some of the most prestigious veterans, after serving in both the Civil War and World War I.  This is particularly impressive because Native Americans were not granted U.S. citizenship until 1924, according to The Press Enterprise.

Many organizations are hosting events to promote Native American culture and raise awareness.  Native Americans still face many problems today, and more people need to be aware of them.

For more information, please visit:

MedPage Today — Dental Needs Unment in Native Americans — 4 Nov. 2011

The Huffington Post — Kris Jenner Slammed by Native American Group for ‘Indian Giver’ Comment — 4 Nov. 2011

The Press Enterprise — Native Americans Have Rich Hisotry of Military Service — 3 Nov. 2011

National Public Radio (NPR) – Improving Foster Care for Native American Kids — 31 Oct. 2011

The Daily Beast — Native American Women Expose Brutal Life of Prostitution — 27 Oct. 2011