Wichita Public Library

Big Read Panel Discussion: Native Americans and Activism

In this informal panel discussion, panelists will share their thoughts and experiences on Native American activism and the ways they have amplified other Native voices to bring awareness.

Many of the rights secured by Native Americans were won through the efforts of activist groups in the 20th century, such as the American Indian Movement of the 1970s. Today, this activism has evolved into a variety of movements from the protests at Standing Rock to the grassroots movement for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, which tries to bring awareness to violence against indigenous women in the United States and Canada. In addition to traditional activism, many Native Americans today are sharing their voice in other ways such as native authors sharing stories about the experience of Native Americans in the modern world, like in Tommy Orange's novel There There, contemporary native artists blending tradition with ideological themes such as environmental protection, fighting indigenous stereotypes, poverty in tribal communities, etc. and Natives taking on roles in government, health care, education and more to enact change in the very institutions that have historically been closed to them.

In this informal panel discussion, panelists will share their thoughts and experiences on Native American activism, why it has been so important to tribal communities, and the various ways they have used their voice or helped amplify other Native voices to bring awareness to injustices done to indigenous peoples as well as highlight and support the achievements of Native people in their communities.