Communications and Relationships Between Reservation American Indians and Non-Indians from Neighboring Communities





Research Reports Searching for Justice, 2005 Reflections on Traditional American Indian Ways, 1998 Threats to Tribal Sovereignty, 1998 Traditional American Indian Leadership: A Comparison with U.S. Governance, 1997 Communications and Relationships Between Reservation American Indians and Non-Indians from Neighboring Communities, 1997 American Indians & Home Ownership, 1995		Appendix A SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES What issues exist between the Indian and non-Indian communities in this area? Racism (that goes both ways between American Indians and non-Indians) Discrimination Cultural differences and cultural misunderstandings Resentment Stereotypes "Non-Indian folk tend to identify Indians with crime in this area." "Difficult for Indians to find good jobs." "Many government employers talk a good line on diversity and affirmative action, but their numbers for non-white employees remain disproportionately low." Land tax "Employment, housing, opportunity, respect." "The Indian and non-Indian communities remain largely separate from each other. With some exceptions, there seems to be little understanding or respect for each other's values, traditions, and lifestyles." How have you attempted to expand communications and relationships between members of the two cultures? Multicultural friendship groups Volunteering to develop programming for American Indian inmates Cultural diversity classes Financially supporting and participating in groups to improve race relations Special events "Just telling both sides to both sides." Involvement in committees and groups Inviting Indian speakers to present in classes Try to treat all people alike Attend Indian cultural activities Attending workshops on cultural diversity Talk to non-Indian friends and acquaintances about American Indian issues What other "non-governmental" venues exist for dialogue on issues between the communities? Parent groups The democratic party Different programs such as an Indian youth fund-raising program, court advocate and community liaison programs Radio and television talk shows Indian week activities Personal Church, sports, music "Non-governmental venues that exist for dialogue on the issues between the Communities are few." Very few University cultural program Indian organizations What are the barriers to ongoing communications between the two cultures? Misunderstanding Lack of knowledge Fear Suspicion Stereotypes Unacceptance of difference Distrust Prejudice Euro-centric belief systems Fear of unintentionally "saying something wrong" What might help to expand communications and relationships between members of the two cultures? "Just plodding along with inter-racial relationships." Efforts to encourage dialogue Education Forums Mixed cultural events Working together Socializing together Worshiping together Mutual respect Look at positives Compromise "A series of events or educational experiences directed at varying economic brackets." "Both cultures need to love and respect one another."
The Well-Being of American Indian Children in Minnesota: Economic Conditions, 1994


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Research Reports

Appendix A