Indigenous People's Day: A Day of Celebration and a Call to Address Arizona's Housing Challenges
Columbus Day, a long-standing tradition since 1792 in the United States, commemorates Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas. However, in recent times, its celebration has become the subject of heated debate due to the detrimental impacts colonization had on the Indigenous communities of America. A stark example of this is the residential schools system, where Indigenous children were taken from their families, subjected to abuse, and forcibly assimilated. This system operated for over 160 years, with the last school closing in 1996. Such schools aimed to eradicate Indigenous cultures and have left behind individual, collective, and intergenerational trauma.
Today, reclaiming stolen culture is crucial for the healing of First Nations, and Inuit communities. It is imperative for everyone to actively learn about colonization's harmful effects, and more importantly, to engage in actions that dismantle these oppressive systems. and why since 1991, many have instead focused on celebrating Indigenous People's Day. This holiday is observed on the second Monday in October, coinciding with Columbus Day, and has been federally recognized since 2021.
Contemporary Challenges Facing Indigenous Peoples:
The rise of Indigenous People's Day serves as both a tribute to the resilience and heritage of Indigenous communities and an acknowledgment of the struggles they continue to endure. Indigenous communities continue to confront numerous systemic issues in the U.S.:
Economic Inequalities: Indigenous peoples experience higher poverty rates than other racial or ethnic groups.
Employment: They face the highest unemployment rates among all racial and ethnic groups.
Education: Indigenous students often have lower school retention rates and decreased college attendance.
Health Disparities: Indigenous communities encounter higher instances of certain chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.
Safety Concerns: Indigenous women, notably, are at a heightened risk of facing violence compared to other demographic groups.
Taking Action:
Like other parts of the U.S., Arizona is not exempt from discriminatory practices. In fact Arizona was also home to an assimilation school known as the Phoenix Indian School, whose doors didn’t close until 1990. Notabley Arizona also hosts the third largest Native American population in the country and 1/4 of Arizona land is Reservation land. A revealing study by Christina Momono includes Arizona as a state still participating in unjust Fair Housing practices against Native Americans.
Historically, Native Americans endured a plethora of injustices, including forced migrations, broken treaties, and acts like the Indian Removal and Dawes Act. These historical events have had generational repercussions, manifesting in present-day struggles.
In the current housing landscape, AI/AN populations face challenges due to discrimination, rising housing costs, and a systemic imbalance in opportunities. Rental markets, influenced by prejudice, often favor whites over Native Americans. The adverse outcomes are glaring, with the AI/AN community experiencing one of the highest homelessness rates in the country. Additionally, linguistic and cultural differences add layers of complexity, sometimes leading to further discrimination. Addressing the myriad challenges requires a multi-pronged approach:
Uphold Anti-Discrimination Laws: Southwest Fair Housing Council actively enforces Federal Fair Housing anti-discrimination laws. Affected individuals are encouraged to lodge complaints if they face housing discrimination.
Empower Indigenous-led Organizations: Supporting Indigenous-driven initiatives and organizations can bring about lasting change at the grassroots level.
Promote Education and Awareness: Amplifying Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues will foster understanding and allyship. Share this blog and other social posts to spread the word.
As we recognize Indigenous People's Day, it's crucial to celebrate Indigenous communities' contributions and actively address the pressing issues they face, especially discriminatory housing practices. By promoting awareness, we can collectively pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable Arizona.
