Authors: Maria Camila Rodriguez-Daza, ArtTrak Gallery Intern and John Buxton December 2024

It would be logical to assume that the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which was legislation passed in 1990, would have had the secondary benefit of drawing more attention to the living conditions of Native Americans . It hasn’t, and while I agree that restoring and protecting Native American culture is important, the U.S. Government doesn’t get a free pass while they ignore the problems suffered for decades by this minority group.

When NAGPRA took effect in 1990 as national law, lawmakers patted themselves on the back for creating a way for Native Americans to retrieve lost sacred and culturally-relevant objects and remains from major institutions. While the conversation for ethical repatriation continues in the present, there are more pressing factors at play when referring to the native community as a whole…one that affects the quality of life that they lack, and that we take for granted. Has NAGPRA benefited the Indigenous peoples of the United States, or are we deluding ourselves into a feel-good way to ignore suffering amidst our fellow Americans? Let's review the current statistics amidst the community to see where our priorities should lie.

While the real per capita income of Native Americans has had more than a 700% increase since 1990, from $5959 to $43,825, it is inferred that their economic standing has increased based on the current state of inflation rather than actually declining. When comparing the numbers to the typical American citizens growth in financial standing, from $21,587 to $68,785, the income gap has increased from $15,628 to $24,960. There is little improvement in the average poverty rate as well. The gap between the rest of the nation and indigenous communities has only lessened from a 17.4% to a 17.3% since 1990, and 28.8% of natives live in poverty. One must consider that this is simply a national average, and that there are reservations where 60% of people suffer impoverishment. The only improvement worth mentioning is the drastic decrease of Native American unemployment, from 25.6% in 1990 to 5.8% in 2024. However, even this discovery is marred by noting that this is still 1.6% higher than the national average.

Opportunities to better the Native American population's situation are also notably scarce….anything from home ownership, lack of health insurance, and the freedom to pursue a bachelor's degree or higher. Knowledge concerning these topics in the 1990s is notably scarce, but one can make quick inferences based on the past trend of inconsistency.

Economic indicators:

Real per-capita income for Native Americans on reservations nearly doubled between 1990 and 2015.
Current natives have an average poverty rate of 28.8%, compared to the US rate of 11.5%. In 1990, Native American poverty rates averaged around 30.9% compared to the US’ 13.5% rate.
Unemployment amongst the Native American community is currently at 5.8%, compared to the national average of 4.2%. In 1990, the native unemployment rate was 25.6%, compared to the national average of 6.3%.
As of 2021, the median income for an American Indian/Alaska Native household was $45,476, compared to the national average of $65,712. In 1990, the $21,750 median family income for American Indians was well below the national average of $75,360. This is simply the overall average. There are native reservations with poverty rates exceeding 60%. Acknowledging the lack of economic opportunities is important, as most reservations lack a formal, private-sector economy.

Lifestyle Indicators: https://mchandaids.org/social-determinants-of-health-among-american-indians-and-alaska-natives-and-tribal-communities-comparison-with-other-major-racial-and-ethnic-groups-in-the-united-states-19902022/

House ownership rates in 2022 amongst Native Americans are almost 10% lower than the rest of the predominant races in total: 55.1% to 65.2%. While there are no clear statistics on Native American house ownership in 1990, it may be inferred that it is lower than the median house ownership of the other races: 63.9%. (Perplexity AI)

Lack of health insurance is even more abysmal. Around 8% of the American population cannot access health insurance compared to a whopping 18.5% of Native Americans. While there are no clear statistics on Native American health uninsurance in 1990, it may be inferred that it is lower than the median house ownership of the other races: 13%. (Perplexity AI)

Perhaps what is most concerning is the lack of higher education among Native Americans. With education, comes greater opportunities in their respective career fields, leading to better economic conditions. According to the Census’ American Community Survey, in 2021 1% of the total U.S. population identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native. Among American Indian or Alaskan Native residents aged 25 or over, only 15.4% had earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. This rate is up from 13.4% in 2010 but falls short of the national rate of 32.9%.

These are the overarching factors that contribute to a decreased quality of Native American life; however, other elements are at play. Overcrowding in reservation homes is 13.7% higher than the national average of 2.2%, not to mention the lack of safe, clean water and the growing trend to return to rural areas rather than remain in opportunistic urban centers. (John Buxton)

Addiction, Mental Health, and Gambling Factors:

Since the 1970s, Native Americans were, and have been, well known to struggle with various types of substance abuse, including alcohol. Within the '90s, studies showed that the lifetime abuse of drugs was much higher on average within the Native American population compared to the rest of the US, especially among adolescents. Heavy drinking was common….the rate being two to three times higher than the rest of the American population. In present day, only 3.5% received any treatment.

Nearly 25% of Native Americans reported binge drinking in the past month.
Native Americans were more likely to need alcohol or illicit drug use treatment than any other ethnic group. However, only a small percentage of those needing treatment received it. One report indicated that while 13% of Native Americans needed substance use treatment, only 3.5% received any treatment.
Native Americans have the highest rates of methamphetamine abuse, with past-month use at more than 3 times the rate of any other group. Among Native American adolescents (aged 12-17), approximately 4 in 10 have a lifetime prevalence of illicit drug use. Drug poisoning death rates for Native Americans were 36.9 deaths per 100,000 in 2013-2017, compared to 32.6 per 100,000 for whites
The suicide rate among Native Americans is three to six times higher than among their non-Native peers. Suicide represents one of the greatest health disparities faced by young Native Americans. As of 2019, the suicide rate among Native Americans was 72% higher than in the general population.
Some Native Americans believe gaming threatens their traditional cultures and values. There are concerns about increased crime, compulsive gambling, and economic dependence.
Gaming can lead to loss of privacy and tribal infighting.
Uneven economic benefits: only about 20% of tribes operate gaming establishments, and even fewer have significantly changed their economies through gaming. Many tribal gaming enterprises are small-scale and only marginally profitable. Benefits are often concentrated in a small number of successful casinos near urban areas, while more isolated rural reservations see fewer gains.
When reservation residents gamble away limited incomes, it can worsen poverty conditions. Many tribes rely on outside investors and management companies, which can result in substantial portions of profits leaving the reservation.
The Native American community is far from being monolithic in their thinking about almost any issue. Some groups are doing better economically than other groups. Some Native Americans are suffering more than others. And that really is the point. The U.S. government needs to require the states to inform government agencies who will prioritize need. The bureaucracy is absurd, and I hope DOGE will look at the waste and inefficiency.
There is absolutely no reason why the reservations listed below should not be prioritized for assistance.

Reservations - The Worst of the Worst

Blackfeet Indian Reservation: The Moccasin Flats neighborhood in Browning exemplifies some of the worst housing conditions. Homes there are described as dilapidated trailers and wood frame houses with boarded windows, missing shingles, and poor protection from harsh weather.

Crow Creek Reservation: This reservation faces extreme overcrowding, with an average of 12+ people per home, due to severe housing shortages. There are only about 220 homes available for 2,500 residents, resulting in 300-400 homeless people.

Mescalero Apache Reservation: While not specifically described as having the worst conditions, this reservation faces significant environmental challenges, including extreme drought and increased wildfire risks, which impact overall living conditions.

Pine Ridge Reservation (South Dakota): 97% of the population lives far below the U.S. federal poverty line: 90% unemployment rate and 70% school dropout rate. Life expectancy of 48 years for men and 52 years for women.

Rosebud Sioux Reservation (South Dakota): 50% of residents live below the poverty line. It is located in one of the two poorest counties in the US.

Standing Rock Reservation (South Dakota and North Dakota): One of the poorest places in the country. Unemployment rate of 85-90%. Life expectancy there is as low as 45 years for men and 47 years for women.

San Carlos Indian Reservation (Arizona): It has the highest deep poverty rate (25.1%) among the ten largest reservations.

Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation (Arizona): It has the second-highest deep poverty rate (20.7%) among the ten largest reservations.

Reservations -General Conditions: 40% of on-reservation housing is considered substandard. Nearly one-third of reservation homes are overcrowded. Less than half of homes are connected to public sewer systems, and 16% lack indoor plumbing. Unemployment rates on reservations are 40-50%, seven to eight times the national average. The average income for reservation families is significantly below the national poverty line.

These conditions are widespread across many reservations, making it difficult to pinpoint a single "worst" reservation without more specific comparative data.

It is infuriating for many US citizens and voters that our government has instead, without a mandate from their constituents, prioritized foreign commitments and obligations to illegal immigrants crossing our borders to become wards of the state. Yes, repatriation and restoring culture is important to correcting some of the past wrongs. However, few can argue that respect begins with extending to Native Americans the basic rights of citizenship.

Is Repatriation Part of a Much Bigger Picture?

The Interns - Where Are They Now?

Partnering with the Indians - Can it Happen?