What is it like to be a Native American?

Patriotism is very nuanced for most Natives. I'm a combat vet and am often asked to do flag detail for tribal events. We post the colors and play a flag/honor song and understand the need to defend our lands. But, there isn't the type of "love it or leave it" sentimentality you'd find espoused by conservative White men "patriots." 

I grew up partially with my grandmother and she would speak of Americans in a very specific sense. "They" were outsiders and foreigners. I actually have an ancestor that was taught by missionaries to read and write and we have letters from the 1870s and 1880s where he is writing about "The Americans" coming into the tribal territory and he is complaining about their culture and lack of morals, and that they'd take over all of our lands. He said that he only knew two or three good white men at that time. But, of course, you have to understand the context. These were rough and tough pioneer types, ruffians and squatters. That was the population that was coming into contact with tribes first. I point this out because Americans have this perception of themselves and grounded in this land and they sense of identity is firmly rooted in this nation as it exists today, with all 50 states and a few territories. But, at certain times (and not that long ago), "Americans" meant something different to tribal people. This perception still persists for many tribal members.


Even though we are US citizens today, there is still a distinction. Our sovereignty and tribal affiliation is not just buzzwords. They are deeply felt sentiments. I don't mind maintaining dual citizenship, but in my own mind I'm tribal first, American second.

Personally, I don't see a lot of hatred directed by Natives toward White people. We understand the historical context probably a bit better than most Americans, but we are also living the 21st century. We got personal concerns to deal with as well. Working for a living, paying the bills, taking the kids to their sports games, etc.

Read other answers by

Sam Morningstar on Quora:

• How different was life for slaves of Native Americans?
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Read more answers on Quora.

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