By Monique
One hashtag that I’m not sure got a lot of airtime is #DearNativeYouth. The hashtag provides an outlet for support, inspiration, and positivity to reach Native kids.
The hashtag is very important, since a lot of American media doesn’t give proper respect, reporting, or representation of Native Americans and Native American issues. Of course, I’m speaking from an American perspective, but I’d dare to say that lack of representation and understanding affects Natives of any country.
There are so many issues facing Native Americans that should be considered universal American issues, such as the staggeringly high rate of sexual assault crimes that occur to Native American and Alaska Native women, the high rate of innocent people killed in police-involved shootings, and many, many other systemic issues that affect Native kids’ self-esteem and sense of worth. #DearNativeYouth takes a stab at being a part of the solution that uplifts Native young people and that they do matter.
Here are some of the tweets.
#DearNativeYouth you deserve to be happy, healthy and respected no matter who you are or where you're from
— Frank Waln (@FrankWaln) March 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/CanteZuyawin/status/580809146401878016
https://twitter.com/_RuthHopkins/status/580861558856658944
#DearNativeYouth You are the survivors your ancestors cried for, shed blood and fought for. Praying for you.
— @creekleo (@Creekleo) March 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/dearnativeyouth/status/581541972340523008
https://twitter.com/CanteZuyawin/status/580807288098684928
#DearNativeYouth It is ok when you learn about how your ancestors were treated you feel their pain. It's ok if it takes time to soak in.
— 🪻❄️💐🧊 (@Frostbite___) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth don't let anyone rewrite are retell your history in a way that erases the truth.We owe it to our ancestors to not be silent
— 🪻❄️💐🧊 (@Frostbite___) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth if you are also black don't let anyone tell you your indigenousness isn't valid.
— 🪻❄️💐🧊 (@Frostbite___) March 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/tdawgyo/status/580800901071265792
https://twitter.com/tdawgyo/status/580801706541199360
"Let us put our minds together and see what life we will make for our children." #DearNativeYouth pic.twitter.com/yB8KdTpgTw
— Xodaniwrites.bsky.social (@x3daniwritesxo) March 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/nikkealexis/status/580797513927516161
https://twitter.com/PeaceofDawn/status/580795105302351872
#DearNativeYouth: you were born to be warriors because you were born to love hard.
— Mahpiya Waci Win (@MahpiyaWaciWin) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth we see you, we value you and will continue to fight to ensure justice and safety.
— Xodaniwrites.bsky.social (@x3daniwritesxo) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth: you are sacred.
— Mahpiya Waci Win (@MahpiyaWaciWin) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth your dreams help build a strong future for you & your communities. I look forward to watching your dreams come to life!
— Billy Mills (@BillyMillsGold) March 27, 2015
#DearNativeYouth Try hard 2 see through the noise. Take in positive, push out negative. Pass on truth & challenge racism. We have the power.
— Pam Palmater (@Pam_Palmater) March 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/DAREartsRoots/status/581502213865897984
#Dearnativeyouth Colonization, oppression n racism take toll on r ppl. Don't let anyone, even r own ppl ever call u down. U r hope 4 future.
— Pam Palmater (@Pam_Palmater) March 27, 2015
#DearNativeYouth You are worthy of love exactly as you are.
— Karen Dingwall (@kddingwall) March 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/BostonNDN/status/581503692744060928
You can see more tweets @DearNativeYouth. What do you think about #DearNativeYouth? Give your opinions in the comments section below!
Photo: @DearNativeYouth/Twitter
Julian 