Indigenous media shedding light on a history unknown, neglected and ignored
As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, articles focusing on President Trump’s role and influence have dominated headlines.
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Others have focused on what it means to be American, the polarised political environment, and whether the “American Dream” is now elusive.
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Diversity on show
But what about stories celebrating the country’s diversity?
The United States’ population is racially and ethnically diverse. In recent decades, the share of Hispanics has more than quadrupled, and the share of foreign-born people in the US has more than tripled since 1970, from 4.7 per cent to 14.8 per cent in 2024.
According to the Pew Research Centre, 75 per cent of adults see racial and ethnic diversity as a good thing for the country.
Not surprisingly, some media coverage has focused on those communities and their contributions to the country.
In a piece in the Chicago Tribune, new US citizens share their reflections and experiences of immigrating to the country, as well as their hopes and fears for the future.
As NPR reported, the current political rhetoric is “forcing many US citizen Latinos to question whether they belong”.
Civil Rights leader Rev. Peter Johnson wrote that despite slavery, segregation, voter suppression, and discrimination, Black people never “stopped believing in the possibility of America”. “America at 250 stands at another crossroads. We can choose fear or hope. Division or community. Exclusion or opportunity. Amnesia or truth.”
Native American narratives
In this piece, we focus on how Indigenous media is reporting USA 250 and placing Native American stories at the heart of the narrative.
As Native News Online wrote: “For Native Nations, this anniversary carries a more complicated reality. The story of America cannot be told honestly without acknowledging the lands on which this country was built, the treaties that were broken, and the Native communities that continue to shape this nation today.”
The outlet launched a special reporting and storytelling initiative, “America 250: A Republic Built on Native Land,” that centres Native voices.
Here is a glimpse at a selection of that coverage.
Native Nations and the American Revolution outlines the role of Indigenous nations in the American Revolutionary War, including making strategic decisions to protect their lands, political sovereignty, and cultures. The costs of the conflict ranged from divisions within some Native nations and alliances as members chose different sides to exclusion from negotiations to end the war and the impact of expansion that followed, which led to further land loss, political upheaval, and challenges to Indigenous sovereignty.
From Tall Ships to Wrestling Matches: Comparing Ford’s Bicentennial to Trump’s Freedom 250: “Together, the two anniversaries illustrate an enduring debate over how America remembers its past—and whose stories are included in that memory.”
Richard Trudell Says Tribal Nations Must Be Central to the Story in Q&A: “For those whose history here goes back 250 years, it is a celebration. For Indigenous peoples and other people of colour, it is difficult to view it as an anniversary of freedom. Tribal nations endured Indian wars, forced removals, broken treaties, termination policies, and attempts at cultural and physical genocide. Most Americans know very little about Native history… Truth, accountability, and visibility begin with telling the full story—not just the parts that are comfortable to celebrate.”
ICT, a nonprofit multimedia under IndiJ Public Media, has also dedicated coverage to the 250th anniversary, which it says “is a complex moment for the first peoples of this land, marred by brutal histories”. The outlet sees the anniversary as an opportunity to provide “an accurate reflection of our communities’ past, present and future”.
A good place to start with its coverage is the article: A step-by-step guide to Indigenous erasure. The piece outlines some of the “missing and crucial truths not in America’s history books” that have redefined tribal nations and Native peoples. “As America prepares to honour the 250th anniversary of its founding, historians and Indigenous people are working to remind this nation of its dealings with Native people and of the contributions that Native people have made to this country’s establishment. Perhaps one of the most important contributions Native people have made to America is providing a framework for this country’s governmental structure.”
That theme is further explored in How the Haudenosaunee Shaped America’s Democracy. “More than 270 years ago, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy showed America’s founding fathers just what they’d been looking for – an example of a thriving democracy where distinct communities could remain sovereign yet united under one government.”
Other stories have focused on the impact of the court system and religious freedom.
Tribal nations and the Supreme Court explore the relationship between the Supreme Court and Indian Country, which has “left indelible marks on Indian Country” and has had its ups and downs.
Religious freedom, but not for everyone, points out that although religious freedom is foundational to the country’s origin story, it didn’t apply to Native spirituality.
Learning from history
By examining events of the past 250 years through Indigenous perspectives, the coverage, which has included articles, essays, events, and youth writing initiatives, provides insights into a history not well-known. It also highlights the historical and ongoing impact of policies and the contributions Native Americans have made to shaping the country’s growth and future.
A key theme that emerges is the need for inclusion in both history and the media.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Media Diversity Institute. Any questions or comments should be addressed to the editor at [email protected] of the Media Diversity Institute.
