The question of whether Do Native Americans Celebrate the 4th of July? is complex, layered with history, cultural nuances, and individual perspectives. To understand the diverse range of responses, one must delve into the historical context of the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States. The Fourth of July, a day commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marks the birth of the United States of America. However, for many Native Americans, this date represents a far more complicated legacy, one intertwined with displacement, cultural suppression, and broken treaties.
To appreciate the varied perspectives on this national holiday, it’s essential to rewind to the nation’s inception. The expansion of the newly formed United States was intrinsically linked to the dispossession of Native American lands. As the non-Native population grew, the indigenous population dwindled, facing the loss of their ancestral homelands and the erosion of their cultural traditions. This historical backdrop casts a long shadow on how many Native Americans perceive the Fourth of July.
One particularly dark chapter in this history is the period of cultural and religious suppression. Beginning in the early 1880s, the U.S. government implemented policies designed to eradicate Native American cultural practices. Secretary of the Interior Henry Teller spearheaded this effort through the "Religious Crimes Code," a set of regulations enforced by the Office of Indian Affairs. This code, also known as the Code of Indian Offenses, explicitly targeted and prohibited American Indian ceremonial life.
Teller’s directives to Indian agents were unequivocal: end tribal dances and feasts. The code was rigorously enforced on reservations, effectively banning Indian ceremonies, disrupting religious practices, and even leading to the destruction or confiscation of sacred objects. Native Americans who defied these regulations faced imprisonment or the withholding of essential treaty rations, further marginalizing and controlling their lives.
This repressive policy remained in effect for approximately fifty years, from the early 1880s to the mid-1930s. During this period, many vital spiritual ceremonies, such as the Sun Dance and Ghost Dance, were forced underground, held in secret, or ceased altogether. The devastating impact on Native American cultures was profound, leaving scars that persist to this day. While some tribes have since revived or reintroduced these sacred ceremonies, the memory of their suppression remains a poignant reminder of the government’s past policies.
Paradoxically, the very policies designed to suppress Native American culture inadvertently led to a unique adaptation surrounding the Fourth of July. In response to the restrictions on their traditional ceremonies, some tribes saw the celebration of American independence as an opportunity to continue their own important gatherings under the guise of patriotism. Tribal leaders understood that superintendents and agents might be more inclined to permit ceremonies on the Fourth of July, believing it would encourage Native Americans to adopt American ideals and demonstrate loyalty to the United States.
This strategic adaptation led to a disproportionate number of American Indian tribal gatherings taking place on or near the Fourth of July. Over time, these gatherings evolved into significant social events, often becoming tribal homecomings. American Indian veterans, in particular, were welcomed home and honored as modern-day warriors during these celebrations. The Navajo Tribe of Arizona and the Pawnee of Oklahoma are prime examples of tribes that utilize the Fourth of July as an occasion to pay tribute to their tribal veterans.
During these celebrations, tribal flag songs and veterans’ songs are sung, honoring those who served in the U.S. military. The prominent display of the American flag at American Indian gatherings, especially those held on the Fourth of July, is a relatively recent development. More than 12,000 American Indians served during World War I, and their contributions led to the adoption of the American flag as a symbol of patriotism and national unity within many tribal communities. Today, the flag is often carried into powwow and rodeo arenas, representing both respect for the veterans and a complex relationship with the nation.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the American flag held a very different meaning for Native Americans before the Reservation Era. Before this time, the sight of the American flag approaching their villages and camps often signaled conflict, death, and destruction. This historical context underscores the complex and evolving symbolism of the flag within Native American communities.
Today, tribes hold ceremonies and celebrations on or near Independence Day for a variety of reasons, reflecting the diversity of Native American cultures and experiences. For instance, the Lumbee of North Carolina and the Mattaponi of Virginia use this time as a homecoming, providing an opportunity for tribal members to reconnect, renew cultural ties, and strengthen family bonds. The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma holds Gourd Clan ceremonies on the Fourth of July because the holiday coincides with their traditional Sun Dance, which historically took place during the hottest part of the year.
The Lakota of South Dakota and the Cheyenne of Oklahoma continue to hold some of their annual Sun Dances on the weekends closest to the Fourth of July, aligning the ceremonies with their New Year celebrations. However, it’s important to note that not all Native Americans celebrate the Fourth of July. Some choose not to participate due to the historical injustices and negative consequences endured by Native peoples throughout history. Others simply opt to spend the day with family and friends, enjoying cookouts and other recreational activities, similar to many non-Native American citizens.
To gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Native American perspectives on the Fourth of July, it’s valuable to consider individual voices and experiences. Social media platforms like Facebook offer a glimpse into the diverse range of opinions and feelings surrounding this holiday.
One individual from Carnegie, Oklahoma, describes celebrating the Fourth with Gourd Dancing, camping, and visiting their Kiowa people, immersing themselves in Kiowa songs and culture for three days. Another person from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, views the Fourth of July as a celebration of freedom in the United States, highlighting the freedom to worship, dance, and pray according to their traditions.
In contrast, someone from Prewitt, New Mexico, and the Navajo Nation expresses their refusal to celebrate, emphasizing their loyalty to their ancestral beliefs and understanding that their people existed long before the United States. A resident of Taos, New Mexico, notes that while the community celebrates Independence Day with parades and fireworks, they also remember the sacrifices of their people who served in America’s military, emphasizing the deep connection to the land and the desire for protection.
A member of the Three Affiliated Tribes in Parshall, North Dakota, views the Fourth as a celebration of independence, a concept that Native people have practiced as sovereign nations for generations. However, an individual from Shawnee, Oklahoma, explains their decision not to celebrate, citing the Declaration of Independence’s reference to Native Americans as "merciless savages."
An individual with Kiowa, Delaware, and Absentee Shawnee heritage from Anadarko, Oklahoma, shares their grandmother’s tradition of mourning on this day, wearing a black dress out of respect for their people’s history. Someone from Laguna, New Mexico, and the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna proudly celebrates the Fourth of July, recognizing the healing and harmonization that has occurred over centuries, while another from Sawmill, Arizona, and the Navajo Nation acknowledges the day as a time off with family but emphasizes that Native people don’t need a special day to recognize their autonomy.
Finally, an individual from Oklahoma City and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma sees the Fourth of July as "American Ideals Day," expressing hope that America will one day live up to its stated ideals and fully recognize American Indian sovereignty. These diverse voices reveal the multifaceted nature of the Native American experience on the Fourth of July.
In conclusion, the question of whether Do Native Americans Celebrate the 4th of July? does not have a simple answer. The holiday holds different meanings for different individuals and tribes, shaped by a complex history of cultural suppression, adaptation, and resilience. While some Native Americans embrace the Fourth of July as an opportunity to honor veterans, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen community bonds, others view it as a reminder of past injustices and a symbol of ongoing challenges. Ultimately, the decision to celebrate or not is a personal one, reflecting the unique experiences and perspectives of each individual within the diverse tapestry of Native American nations. This Do Native Americans Celebrate the 4th of July? exploration shows the importance of remembering the past as we celebrate today. Do Native Americans Celebrate the 4th of July? is a complex issue, and there’s no one answer.