Why celebrate
Only a century ago, Native peoples, the original inhabitants of these lands, were conferred U.S. citizenship (On our own Land ). With this new status, we should have had the same power as other citizens to shape America, but it took another 40 years of relentless struggle for all Native peoples to secure the right to vote.
This hard-won victory allowed our grandparents (my sru’ day-sri~ Dorothy Payne was born a non-citizen 1920) and great-grandparents to finally have a voice in decisions that directly impact our Tribal homelands and communities (what about the treaties?). Yet, despite continued attacks on our right to vote, we have elected Native leaders to represent us in Congress, passed legislation to strengthen our communities, and influenced the outcome of a presidential election.
100 years later, we still hold the power to influence decisions to protect our lands and water and uphold our Tribal sovereignty. (We’re still here!)
Showcase #NativePower by resharing this post and join the conversation as we explore the meaning and impact of the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act.
Visit: https://illuminative.org/nativecitizenship
Follow to learn more: @IllumiNative @NativeOrganizersAlliance @NativeAmericanRightsFund