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The Fourth of July is a national holiday that many Native Americans have a hard time celebrating. The reasons vary, but one reason is that it reminds them of what was lost to many tribal communities to make room for what is now the United States.

Join Levi Rickert, publisher and editor of Native News Online, on Thursday, July 4, as he interviews author and lecturer Mark Charles (Navajo) about how he observes Independence Day. 

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In June 2015, Charles  wrote an op/ed for Native News Online, entitled “The Dilemma of the Fourth of July.” We publish it every year. And, every year it is well received by our readers.

A provocative thinker, Charles links the Declaration of Independence to the Doctrine of Discovery, a topic he examines in his widely received book, "Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery." 

During the interview, Charles provides a history lesson of why many Native Americans choose not to celebrate Independence Day.

Tune in to Native Bidaské LIVE this Thursday, July 4, at 12 Noon ET on Native News Online's Facebook, X (Twitter), or YouTube channel.

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Help us defend tribal sovereignty. 

At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.

Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.

That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.

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Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
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Native News Online Staff
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Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].