NACA Assists Future Community Leaders, Promotes Education on Indigenous Issues

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted citizenship to all Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the United States. Individual Native Americans needed to belong to their tribe to have a right to land and communal property. Previously, Native Americans would be given citizenship by assimilating into mainstream American life and giving up tribal affiliations or entering the armed forces. Providing dual citizenship allowed for individual Native Americans to own land within their tribe without giving up tribal affiliations.

Although Native Americans were granted citizenship, not all had full citizenship and suffrage rights, since the right to vote was governed by state law. Discrepancies in federal and state control allowed for loopholes in enforcing the Act. Finally, in 1948, all 50 states allowed for Native American citizens to vote, after a judicial decision.

Native American tribal leaders who were against citizenship had concerns about tribal sovereignty. Some felt acceptance of the Indian Citizenship Act was “treason” because the United States Senate was forcing citizenship on all Indians without their consent. The Indian Rights Association pushed for the clause “tribal rights and property” to remain in the Indian Citizenship Act, to preserve Native American tribal identity while allowing individuals to gain citizen rights and protection.

The barriers to voting for Native American citizens were prominent in registration, casting a ballot, and having their ballot counted. Additionally, with a lack of representation in candidates, Native American voters often could not elect candidates of their choice, or represent themselves, because of a lack of resources. Presently, Native Americans are continuing the fight for their right to vote, as some states pass laws preventing them from voting in United States elections.

Political equity improves individual’s lives and families. Exercising voting power can improve socio-economic status, self-determination, land rights, water rights, health care and other causes. Voting is one way to fight historic discrimination and can ensure Native American voices are heard. Indigenous organizations like the Native American Rights Fund work to protect voting rights and foster voter engagement in Native American communities worldwide. Organizations like Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA) provide services, such as capacity building in Native American communities by assisting future political and community leaders, fighting stereotypes of Native American individuals and organizations, and advocating as a knowledge base on Indigenous issues to governments and other non-Native organizations.

The mission of Native Americans for Community Action Inc. is to provide preventive wellness strategies and empower and advocate for Native peoples and others in need, in order to create a healthy community based on harmony, respect and Indigenous values. NACA strives to meet the needs of both Native and Non-Native residents of Flagstaff. Many of NACA’s programs are designed to provide service and aid for those in need, or those disproportionately underserved, within the Flagstaff community. FBN

By Almalía Berríos-Payton 

Almalía Berríos-Payton (Lenca/Pipil de El Salvador) is the marketing and public relations officer at NACA.

NACA’s Family Health Center currently offers the seasonal flu vaccine, the COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer primary vaccines, and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-773-1245.