Native American Cultural Identity Research Paper

Words: 1607
Pages: 7

The indigenous peoples of North America have faced a long tradition of oppression with regard to their cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and social customs. With the initial colonization of their native land by European settlers, Native Americans have consistently been condemned to a demeaning perception. The current cultural climate has resulted in an environment where young Native Americans appear to be experiencing a sense of disconnection from their ethnic heritage and traditional cultural practices. The individuals in question appear to have undergone a gradual loss of their Native American cultural identity. The Native American population in the United States is currently grappling with a widespread feeling of obscurity, which can be rooted in a …show more content…
This spread their practices thin in what they practiced spiritually and holistically throughout America. The contrasting Christian perspective on Jesus Christ as the shepherd and the guiding figure prompted Europeans to impose their religious beliefs upon native peoples, with the intention of creating a division between the indigenous identity and the individual. However, this contention shows a contradiction to the fundamental principles of the religion, diverging from the concept of free will given to everybody. The statement highlights the hypocrisy involved with the colonization of their native land. This was really the first major divide that Native Americans had, starting with their land and losing their sanctuary where they could practice freely. Native Americans relied mostly on their traditions to maintain a sense of identity, as they lacked other substantial means of guidance. However, their indigenous practices came under strain from the influence of the European settlers, leading to a shift in their cultural