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A journalist asked me recently: What’s the one thing that mainstream media often get wrong about your community?

My answer was brief:  Unfortunately, the media still speaks about Native Americans in the past tense. 

The truth is: We are still here.

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That’s part of the reason Native News Online was founded in 2011. Because the media often portrayed Native people in a negative light: high levels of alcoholism, poverty or as all being rich because of Indian casinos.

In our newsroom, we work to present a balanced and accurate portrayal of Native people living in contemporary times. We write about Native people as we are now, and the issues that actually matter to us. 

We report on — and occasionally celebrate — Native people who, in 2022, are reaching new heights in art, science, business, and public service.  

They’re not just doing great things in Indian Country.  They’re doing great things that affect the entire country — and well beyond our borders, as well. 

This month, support news coverage that inspires, uplifts, and informs Native Americans.

Throughout the month of November, Native News Online will highlight some of the Native Americans who have made “immeasurable contributions to the country’s progress,” as President Joe Biden noted in his proclamation about National Native American Heritage Month yesterday. We’ll share stories of Native Americans who have helped shape culture in Indian Country, the United States, and around the world.

We are still here, and our presence is growing.  In advance of recognizing Native American Heritage Month, the U.S. Census Bureau released the following facts about American Indians and Alaska Natives:

3.7 million

The nation’s American Indian and Alaska Native population alone in 2020. This population group identifies as AI/AN only and does not identify with any other race.

10.1 million

The projected population of American Indian and Alaska Native alone or in combination with other race groups on July 1, 2060, about 2.5% of the projected total U.S. population.

324

The number of distinct, federally recognized American Indian reservations in 2022, including federal reservations and off-reservation trust land. 

574

The number of federally recognized Indian tribes in 2022.

120,944

The number of single-race American Indian and Alaska Native veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2021.

We are still here.  We have been since time immemorial.  And we plan to be for generations to come.  

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Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

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About The Author
Levi Rickert
Author: Levi RickertEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Levi "Calm Before the Storm" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at [email protected].