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
#DearNativeYouth don't be afraid to ask for help like I was. Even if your family is unsupportive, there's always someone who can be.
— WarriorHeartWoman (@CanteZuyawin) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth Speak your mind. The world desperately needs your perspective. Write, draw, make videos, sing…show them who we are.
— Black Buffalo Woman (@RedRoadWoman) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth You are the survivors your ancestors cried for, shed blood and fought for. Praying for you.
— :.:Maggie:.: (@Creekleo) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth you have more support than you know. #DearNativeMentor will be there whenever you need someone. ?
— #DearNativeYouth (@dearnativeyouth) March 27, 2015
#DearNativeYouth You're not broken. Or un-whole. Or unimportant. Or unworthy of wonderful, awesome things.
— WarriorHeartWoman (@CanteZuyawin) March 25, 2015
#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.
— Saoirse (@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
— Saoirse (@Frostbite___) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth if you are also black don't let anyone tell you your indigenousness isn't valid.
— Saoirse (@Frostbite___) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth You are so much more than the stereotypes people want you to be.
— Tashinasaurus Rex (@tdawgyo) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth You Matter.
— Tashinasaurus Rex (@tdawgyo) March 25, 2015
"Let us put our minds together and see what life we will make for our children." #DearNativeYouth pic.twitter.com/yB8KdTpgTw
— Dani (@xodanix3) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth You are beautiful, brilliant & inspiring! Continue to be love. ???
— Miss Nikke (@nikkealexis) March 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/PeaceofDawn/status/580795105302351872
#DearNativeYouth: you were born to be warriors because you were born to love hard.
— Brooksita (@MahpiyaWaciWin) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth we see you, we value you and will continue to fight to ensure justice and safety.
— Dani (@xodanix3) March 25, 2015
#DearNativeYouth: you are sacred.
— Brooksita (@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
#DearNativeYouth we have faith in you. You are beautiful. You are smart. You are innovative. You are our hope. https://t.co/EmuLrDUToP
— DAREarts First Roots (@DAREartsRoots) March 27, 2015
#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
#DearNativeYouth I am amazed by how strong you are…you inspire me to be a better person…you make me proud everyday… I love you guys
— Warren Griffin Jr. (@BostonNDN) March 27, 2015
You can see more tweets @DearNativeYouth. What do you think about #DearNativeYouth? Give your opinions in the comments section below!
Photo: @DearNativeYouth/Twitter
Julian 