Native America Calling: The Native truth about Independence Day

Native America Calling: Latest Shows

Your National Electronic Talking Circle

Friday, July 2, 2021

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By and large Native Americans are patriotic. The American flag and U.S. military veteran honors are prominent in most powwows, fairs and other Native events.

But America’s Independence Day brings some ambivalence from Native citizens. It’s difficult to get past the reference to “merciless Indian savages” in the very document that declares independence from the British.

The Declaration of Independence refers to Native people as “merciless Indian savages.” Graphic by Mark Charles / Wireless Hogan

The Colonies’ demand to launch their own separate country was fueled by the promise of conquering the land and resources that Native people relied on since time immemorial. What followed were massacres, land theft, broken treaties and enduring racism.

Native America Calling will get Native perspectives on the coming Independence Day celebrations.