Middle School Diversity Club Hosts Fund-and-Awareness Raiser for NARF

Written by Dan So-Schoos, History Teacher and MS Diversity Coordinator

Did you know that Native Americans, the first Americans, did not officially become citizens of the United States until 1924? That there are 574 federally recognized Indian Nations in the contiguous 48 states and Alaska? That about 22% of today’s Native American population lives on reservations, and that 30% of the housing on these reservations is deemed “overcrowded” with up to 50% lacking a connection to a public sewer¹. That these reservations often are far from the original homelands of these tribes? Although beset by a history of programmatic extermination and cultural destruction, Native American peoples have, since the outset of colonialism, continued to resist the erasure of their lives, traditions, and customs as they continue their many contributions to the vibrant tapestry of our nation. Spurred by a presentation in Diversity Club early in the academic year that highlighted authentic Native voices commenting on the challenges and triumphs of their past and present, the group decided to embark on a project to raise awareness in the Middle School about Native Americans and to raise money for the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), a nonprofit organization that provides legal assistance to Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals who might otherwise go without adequate representation. The Middle School Diversity Club spent many hours in January and early February organizing a sale of candy bags, and these efforts raised over $980 for NARF. Their skills in leadership, teamwork, and creativity were all tested and sharpened through this project, and their success bodes well for future diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives here at MFS.

¹ http://www.nativepartnership.org/site/PageServer?pagename=naa_livingconditions