"Some years ago now, the late Vine Deloria wrote that as Indians emerged from a time when survival demanded that they emphasize their distinctness, it was natural for them to begin emphasizing instead the characteristics that they shared. Likewise, as we continue to emerge from eras and the aftereffects of assimilation and termination, when the American state was interested only in throttling us, it seems reasonable that we embrace our commonality with ordinary Americans—the characteristics we share with them instead of the distinctions that set us apart.
So it was that on January 27, in his State of Indian Nations Address, National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel dwelt on his pride in being an American veteran and an American citizen. Most of us know the feeling to one degree or another; as Indians in America, we tend to get it.
But do we get it all too well? Does embracing American citizenship so publicly as Keel, in his position, serve to confuse our youth as to their true national identity and hinder our growth as true sovereign Nations? Would we be better off describing ourselves as occasional allies of America than embracing their citizenship? There is no question that we should hear more, many more, declarations of citizenship in Indian nations.
After all, while individuals can hold dual citizenship if they so choose, governments and especially tribal governments do not—for they cannot. The pride of a high profile leader in military service and American citizenship should not be construed to mean that the whole body politic of Indian America embraces his enthusiasm. Nor does it demonstrate the nature of our cause as distinct Native peoples. One does not even have to be an American citizen to serve in the American armed services. One simply needs to take an oath to uphold and protect the American Constitution, borders and people."
Get the Story:
Ray Cook:
A State of Indian Citizenship Address
(Indian Country Today 2/10)
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