Life as a Modern Native American
This short documentary, "We Are Still Here", interviews three modern Native Americans to show the culture and snuggles of Native Americans today.
Housing
According to a national relief charity called Native American Aid, Native Americans are facing a housing crisis in the United States.
"Despite the Indian Housing Authority's (IHAs) recent efforts, the need for adequate housing on reservations remains acute. One legislator deplored the fact that there are 90,000 homeless or underhoused Indian families, and that 30% of Indian housing is overcrowded and less than 50% of it is connected to a public sewer." (Native American Aid)
Many Native Americans live on reservations in substandard housing, 40% of which is considered "inadequate" by the US Commission on Civil Rights. The waiting list for this housing is long. The wait can be three years or more and overcrowding is a huge concern. It is not uncommon in Native American culture to have three or more generations living in one home.
Jobs
There is also a lack of jobs and economic opportunity in Native American areas. Tribal and Federal governments often serve as the largest employers on reservations. Many households are overcrowded and earn only social security, disability or veteran's income. 4 to 8 out of every 10 adults on Native American reservations are unemployed. Among employed Native Americans, according to the 2005 BIA American Indian Population and Labor Report, many earn below poverty wages. The overall percentage of American Indians living below the federal poverty line is 28.2% according to the 2008 US Census and on reservations this number is even greater. (Native American Aid)
This short documentary, "We Are Still Here", interviews three modern Native Americans to show the culture and snuggles of Native Americans today.
Housing
According to a national relief charity called Native American Aid, Native Americans are facing a housing crisis in the United States.
"Despite the Indian Housing Authority's (IHAs) recent efforts, the need for adequate housing on reservations remains acute. One legislator deplored the fact that there are 90,000 homeless or underhoused Indian families, and that 30% of Indian housing is overcrowded and less than 50% of it is connected to a public sewer." (Native American Aid)
Many Native Americans live on reservations in substandard housing, 40% of which is considered "inadequate" by the US Commission on Civil Rights. The waiting list for this housing is long. The wait can be three years or more and overcrowding is a huge concern. It is not uncommon in Native American culture to have three or more generations living in one home.
Jobs
There is also a lack of jobs and economic opportunity in Native American areas. Tribal and Federal governments often serve as the largest employers on reservations. Many households are overcrowded and earn only social security, disability or veteran's income. 4 to 8 out of every 10 adults on Native American reservations are unemployed. Among employed Native Americans, according to the 2005 BIA American Indian Population and Labor Report, many earn below poverty wages. The overall percentage of American Indians living below the federal poverty line is 28.2% according to the 2008 US Census and on reservations this number is even greater. (Native American Aid)