Native American imagery reaches every demographic, even as it is imagined and is often at the expense of Native people. Representation matters as misrepresentation is harmful to the well-being of Indigenous youth, continues the process of colonization, and subconsciously negatively impacts mainstream support for Indigenous sovereignty, nation-building, self-determination, and more.
How do we reconcile these contradictions? Recognizing and discussing the contradictions and atrocities that coincided with these stories may be a first step, as well as focusing on the many achievements throughout time and contemporary communities’ issues and cultures that continue today. Here are just a few Indigenous creatives thatmade – and are making – strides today - see Contemporary Perspectives section for more!