Looking up the histories of the land you are living on is a step towards helping the native community. What do you know about your native community? Who were the people that walked on and claimed this land? You can honor these natives by donating money to a local organization or support movements and campaigns. Understanding that we live on stolen land and helping empower native communities to claim that land is the first step in becoming an ally.
Native communities work hard to support environmental movements. You can support this by rallying with them and helping to protect the land, water, and animals. Many industries affect the cause from mining to trafficking. These dangerous practices affect the indigenous communities and damage the land they walk on.
Attending events hosted by Native American communities helps in supporting their cause. Oftentimes, money earned from these events go back to the community and help in increasing and highlighting their presence. The kinds of work these libraries and center do help to promote youth in education, music groups, and so much more.
Many events such as local Powwows require a lot of activity and assistance. You can support the native communities by offering your services. Additionally, helping at these events can look great for employers while also making you feel good about promoting and serving your community.
Focus on content created by indigenous and native communities. Watching content produced by Native American communities is a great step towards supporting tribes. Tule Films produces some native films. You can also read books created by Native American communities such as Tommy Orange, Joy Harjo, or Sherman Alexie.
Use your voice on social media by resharing content from native communities both locally and globally. There are plenty of groups you can follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Explore what is out there, like, and share. The more follows and likes these communities have, the more support they will gain.
Many teams use Native branding in a negative way. This can impact native communities. Native peoples should not be used a mascot. Boycott NFL or NCAA in order to change imagery. Anything that uses native communities in this way can be supported by calling and contacting local representatives to help change or remove discriminatory content.
Founded by William H. Johnson Sr., a Comanche in San Diego, the Southern California American Indian Resource Center (SCAIR) was created to help Native Americans in San Diego that live in urban neighborhoods. SCAIR offers educational events and community programs that help Native Americans and tribal lands. SCAIR has managed an Early Head Start program and programs that help needy families and those with food insecurities.
Located in Banning, the Dorothy Ramon Learning Center (DRLC) was created by Ernest Siva in order to save and share Southern California's native cultures. Inspired by Ernest Siva's aunt, Dorothy Ramon, of whom was the last native Serrano speaker, the DRLC was born. The center offers concerts, activities, and enrichment that help support the native community. The DRLC also has their own publishing company, Ushkana Press, which works towards printing books and supports native authors. Participate in their lectures, concerts, and workshops.
The California Heritage Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP) was created to research, document, and preserve the history of their local tribe, the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe. They are no longer recognized, but CHIRP continues to work on creating programs to help the community learn about health, education, housing, and economic stability. They have worked hard to create scholarships for their community members.