Simon Moya-Smith: Native people are still here and still strong

Native Americans are typically lumped into one large group due to the social construct of race and for ease.

But Native American nations are diverse, and recent visibility in the news offers a chance to see a wider range of who we are.

We are not "savages." We are not "injuns," and we are not "redskins."

We are the first people of this nation -- our old country -- and we have endured.

We are still here.

We have always been here, and there is better chance you will see us and hear us.

Not all Native American nations operate casinos. We do not all get free tuition. We don't get free gasoline, as Justin Bieber has suggested, and we do not all get monthly checks from Uncle Sam.

Due to a complex history and interconnected issues, many tribes face poverty unlike other American ethnic groups and have the highest dropout rates. And sadly, there are additional reprehensible social statistics.

But efforts like those the president outlined in his recent visit -- additional investment in tribal communities, improved communication between agencies and empowerment -- highlight some of the ways that the government is aiding these deeply rooted issues.

And as Native Americans are seen beyond the stereotypes, and as we use our voices to speak out, we give visibility to who we are, as well as the issues we are working to solve.