The United States was one of four countries who originally did not sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, (UNDRIP) in 2007; it has since signed but has not fully committed to the Document. This begs the question, is the United States in compliance with this Declaration?
The United States was the last country to endorse the UNDRIP in 2010, three years after its ratification. The UNDRRIP was established to help aboriginal populations save their culture and identities, as well as gain an amount of independence. The Declaration is the most comprehensive document on the rights of indigenous people. Putting to paper standards on “…survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates …show more content…
625) A declaration specific to indigenous people was needed in order to address their specific needs on an international stage. Although the document was eventually signed by President Obama, the U.S. stressed that it was non-binding and would be followed in a way that was consistent with the …show more content…
Throughout the past ten years, since UNDRIP was first signed, very little has been done to change and improve the lives of indigenous peoples. Although Native American tribes are historically rich in culture, tradition and customs, they are also full of injustice, suffering and tragedy from broken treaties to the lasting effects of assimilation. On reservations, education and poverty are issues that are Native People struggle with. “Native Americans continue to grapple with unemployment levels nearly double that of the overall population, have higher poverty rates and lag behind in education attainment” (Peralta, p.1). Education on reservations has had to follow standards set by states which contain culturally biased tests, curriculum and pedagogical practices. Cheryl Crazy Bull, the president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, cited the impact of nineteenth and twentieth century school policies on Native Americans’ educational outcomes. Assimilation practices were used to make indigenous children fit into Anglo Saxon norms. Native children were sent to boarding schools and being punished for embracing their culture. They were not allowed to use their native language or dress. Native American children often lost touch with their roots and culture. Parents did not learn how to parent and the cycle of neglect began. All of these things lend
The United States was the last country to endorse the UNDRIP in 2010, three years after its ratification. The UNDRRIP was established to help aboriginal populations save their culture and identities, as well as gain an amount of independence. The Declaration is the most comprehensive document on the rights of indigenous people. Putting to paper standards on “…survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates …show more content…
625) A declaration specific to indigenous people was needed in order to address their specific needs on an international stage. Although the document was eventually signed by President Obama, the U.S. stressed that it was non-binding and would be followed in a way that was consistent with the …show more content…
Throughout the past ten years, since UNDRIP was first signed, very little has been done to change and improve the lives of indigenous peoples. Although Native American tribes are historically rich in culture, tradition and customs, they are also full of injustice, suffering and tragedy from broken treaties to the lasting effects of assimilation. On reservations, education and poverty are issues that are Native People struggle with. “Native Americans continue to grapple with unemployment levels nearly double that of the overall population, have higher poverty rates and lag behind in education attainment” (Peralta, p.1). Education on reservations has had to follow standards set by states which contain culturally biased tests, curriculum and pedagogical practices. Cheryl Crazy Bull, the president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, cited the impact of nineteenth and twentieth century school policies on Native Americans’ educational outcomes. Assimilation practices were used to make indigenous children fit into Anglo Saxon norms. Native children were sent to boarding schools and being punished for embracing their culture. They were not allowed to use their native language or dress. Native American children often lost touch with their roots and culture. Parents did not learn how to parent and the cycle of neglect began. All of these things lend