Gyasi Ross: Highlighting the hope for our tribal communities

Yes, there are ABSOLUTELY legitimate struggles in these Native homelands, just like there was at Haskell…and also just like everyplace else in the world. But, just like Haskell, there are also positive things happening and there are folks doing amazing work to make lasting solutions to these struggles. How can you discuss the issues, for example, of the Great Plains without also talking about Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation, Stronghold Society, Brave Heart Society, Montana Indian People’s Action Network, Moccasins on the Ground, Blackfeet Anti-Fracking Coalition, Blackfeet Headwater Alliance and all the many, MANY grassroots organizations that work to protect our homelands, our natural resources and our people every single day?? All of these grassroots organizations, many led by Native women, give hope every single day.

When the story is not balanced out then it’s a tiny piece of the story. It’s poverty porn. Native people: the people who are telling these stories are using us—it doesn’t help our communities. White people: don’t believe the hype—stop thinking you’re “getting to know our communities” by painting such a one-sided picture.

Once again—are there struggles in Indian country? Absolutely. Are some of those struggles with alcohol/drugs/suicide/obesity/diabetes? Definitely. Does that tell the whole story and should that be the whole focus of media that’s reported about our communities? Absolutely not—if so, it’s dishonest and portrays us as simply victims who cannot control our homelands.

There are absolutely good things happening in our homelands. There are Native people working hard to make our homelands better every day. Let’s not only point out the things we need to work on without also acknowledging the good medicine that’s in our communities.