I learned about the first Thanksgiving, Pocahontas, and the Trail of Tears in school, but that was sadly pretty much the extent of my knowledge about American Indians before attending the Becker-Rose House Cafe this past Wednesday with Professor Cheyfitz.  I was shocked by the immense challenges that American Indians still face, as they attempt to protect their culture and I am interested in taking one of Prof. Cheyfitz’ courses in the future.

Even though American Indians were here first, they have no land they can call their own.  The US recognizes tribes as “Domestic Dependent Nations” but even the name undermines their sovereignty.  Many Indians live on reservations, but these are crime ridden, and overwhelmed by poverty.  Murder rates are high and one in three women living on reservations is raped at least once during her lifetime.  Only 9% of Indians receive 4 year college degrees compared to the 29% of the total US population.

It was saddening to hear about the terrible ways our country has treated American Indians throughout our history and the conditions that they live in today.  The US has taken land from Indians, prevented them from receiving medicine and vaccinations, and attempted to destroy their culture but kidnapping children and taking them to boarding schools, among other hideous crimes.  I was surprised to learn that Cornell sits on land taken from the Cayuga People, but the administration has refused to acknowledged this, even after repeated requests from Prof. Cheyfitz and others to mention it at Convocation or Graduation.  Prof. Cheyfitz’ talk was an eye-opening experience to the struggles that pervade the lives of American Indians.