Opinion: We need to stop neglecting the needs of Native American tribes

One Chickasaw Indian that survived the treacherous and deadly journey was Martha Love, my mom’s great-great-grandmother. As the story goes, a white man named Pineo Archard married her and received land in Madill, Oklahoma as a gift for “civilizing” Martha. 

Stories such as this one have been translated across generations in my family and continue to have an impact on me, especially when I visit my ancestral homeland. After spending a good portion of my upbringing bouncing between Southern California and Madill, Oklahoma, I have not only witnessed the socioeconomic disparities between the two places but the grave injustices that many Native Americans battle on a daily basis. From food insecurity to healthcare and education, the horrific treatment of Native American tribes at the hands of the American government did not end with the Trail of Tears, it had only just begun. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Native Americans are 2.5 times more susceptible to experiencing psychological distress than the general population. Unfortunately, resources to combat mental illness are in short supply on many reservations given the isolated nature of these communities. As a result, in comparison to other ethnic groups, Native Americans experience higher rates of suicidality, substance abuse and other mental illnesses.

While many factors contribute to these issues, intergenerational trauma plays a significant role in the manifestation of mental illness among Native Americans on and off reservations.

In addition to the shortage of mental health professionals, inadequate funding is another major obstacle to providing mental health resources on reservations. The Indian Health Service, which provides healthcare services to Native Americans, is chronically underfunded, leading to a lack of resources and services. This lack of funding has a direct impact on mental health care, with many reservations unable to provide basic services such as counseling and therapy. 

Furthermore, this lack of funding is exacerbating other issues on reservations such as food insecurity. Due to supply chain issues, environmental racism, and inflation, nearly all foods tend to cost more on the reservations. According to U.S. Census data, “27% of Native Americans live in poverty.”

With higher poverty rates than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States, it is even harder for Native Americans to afford healthy food. Many families on reservations must forgo buying fresh foods and opt for cheap bulk foods that have a long shelf life, which can lead to medical conditions such as obesity or cardiovascular disease.

While there are independent organizations such as Partnership with Native Americans working to combat food insecurity on reservations, the United States government has done little to increase access to affordable and healthy foods across Native American communities.

Besides a lack of assistance from the U.S. government, the issue of food insecurity on reservations is also a byproduct of historical trauma. Native Americans have a long history of displacement and forced assimilation, which has led to a loss of traditional food systems and cultural practices related to food.

According to data published by Science in 2021, “Indigenous people across the contiguous United States have lost 98.9% of their historical lands.” As a result, farming and hunting land has been ripped away from tribes, which means decreased access to food sources and greater reliance on the commercial food industry where cultural discrimination runs rampant.

This loss of land has also caused a housing crisis for Native Americans. Unfortunately, any federal funding geared toward fixing this problem has not been enough to meet the growing demand for affordable housing on reservations. With rent and mortgage prices skyrocketing, many Native Americans have found themselves homeless or living with family and friends in overcrowded environments.

From housing to food insecurities to mental health, Native American tribes are silently combatting an array of life-threatening issues that demand urgent attention and meaningful action. As we strive to create a more just and inclusive society, it is crucial that we recognize the unique challenges faced by Native Americans and ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

While American society has made strides in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities through movements like Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate, we must not overlook the ongoing struggles of Native Americans and the injustices they face. Only by acknowledging the collective responsibility we share for rectifying historical injustices and fostering true equality can we truly honor the resilience and rich contributions of Native Americans throughout history.