We recently read a chapter from Heise about “Native Americans Who Are Poor”. I was moved by the facts that were presented about this group of people and desired for us all to have more knowledge about this particular group experiencing poverty.
So here is my attempt to provide us with some information and to see what others think about these findings.
HUD and the VA awarded $5.9 million to 26 tribes in 12 states for permanent housing for Native American Veterans experiencing homelessness in January 2016.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2016/HUDNo_16-001
In 2012, 1-in-4 American Indians and Alaska Natives were living in poverty. This seems astonishing to me, but also similar rates of poverty occur in black and Hispanic communities.
Issues that are identified that perpetuate poverty are the lack of education, food, and health care. The Federal government has provided funds to Native American communities in recent years. According to a former adviser of the White House on welfare issues, “It’s extremely difficult. If people aren’t integrated into American society then it’s very difficult to reach them and create the basis for economic opportunity and affluence.”
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/11/27/native-americans-left-behind-in-the-economic-recovery
It seems to me that there is a historical problem with the segregation of native peoples that is still perpetuated on reservations. A disadvantage of living on a reservation is the lack of jobs and fostering of a local economy. Without the ability to work where one lives, you encounter such obstacles like the cost of transportation, accessing basic needs, and an overall unsustainable life.
I want to know, in moving forward with our assistance to vets especially with certain funds to Native Americans, what will the future look like for reservations? Are we paying enough attention to this issue? How can we incorporate this group of people into our class conversations?