Essay: The impact of marginalization of indigenous people in New Hampshire
What does New Hampshire value? Our motto is “live free or die.” But does everyone really want to live into that motto?
Historical trauma, genocide, colonial legacies and current forms of structural racism and violence continue to affect the health and well-being of American Indian/Alaska Native populations.
Cultural erasure, forced removal of children from families into boarding schools, eugenics and forced sterilization are some of the atrocities faced by those communities. The Abenaki people in New Hampshire, part of N’Dakinna, their traditional homeland, have faced violent colonial legacies that have significantly impacted their population.
In the housing market, people of color, including Native Americans, continue to experience discrimination leading to displacement, exclusion and segregation. This systemic inequality further exacerbates the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. The lack of state recognition for the Abenaki people highlights a broader issue of invisibility and lack of acknowledgment of Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
Despite centuries of displacement and marginalization, Indigenous communities in New Hampshire have persevered to maintain their cultural heritage. The history of New Hampshire is closely intertwined with the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the region for thousands of years, primarily characterized by various Algonquian-speaking tribes collectively known as the Abenaki. The arrival of European settlers in the early 17th century brought significant challenges and changes, leading to conflicts over land, diseases introduced by Europeans and disruption to their traditional way of life.
But the lack of state recognition for federally or state-recognized tribes like the Abenaki tribe in NH further exacerbates the marginalization experienced by Indigenous communities. Efforts to address this disparity include initiatives aimed at promoting Indigenous rights, cultural education and historical awareness. Various organizations and projects have been established to preserve and revitalize native languages, traditions and tribal governance systems in an attempt to acknowledge and honor the contributions of Native Americans.
Efforts to address these disparities include initiatives like Savanna’s Act aimed at responding to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous persons and improving data collection. However, challenges persist, such as the exclusion of urban areas — like Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth — from federal jurisdiction under Savanna’s Act and the need for Indigenous data sovereignty to empower tribal nations in addressing missing persons cases.
The systemic marginalization of Indigenous people in New Hampshire has had far-reaching consequences, impacting the state as a whole. The marginalization of Indigenous people in New Hampshire and beyond has significant implications for non-Indigenous individuals and communities as well. By understanding and addressing the systemic issues faced by Indigenous populations, there is an opportunity to create a more just and inclusive society that benefits everyone.
Some key impacts on non-Indigenous people:
1. Social cohesion: The marginalization of Indigenous communities can lead to social divisions and tensions within society. Addressing these disparities and promoting equality can foster greater unity and understanding among all residents.
2. Historical awareness: Recognizing the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples can enhance historical awareness among non-Indigenous individuals. This awareness can lead to an understanding of the state’s history and the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities.
3. Cultural preservation: Efforts to support Indigenous cultural heritage and identity benefit not only Indigenous peoples but also non-Indigenous individuals. Preserving diverse cultural traditions enriches the overall cultural tapestry of the state and promotes intercultural dialogue and appreciation.
4. Environmental sustainability: The protection of Indigenous lands and resources is crucial for environmental sustainability, benefiting all residents of New Hampshire. By respecting Indigenous land rights and involving them in conservation efforts, non-Indigenous people can contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.
5. Legal justice: Upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples in legal systems sets a precedent for justice and equality that extends to all members of society. Ensuring fair treatment and representation for Indigenous communities reinforces the principles of justice for all individuals.
The NH Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity plays a crucial role in promoting authentic community engagement and ensuring equitable access to quality services for all populations, with a specialized focus on racial and ethnic minorities. By addressing the underlying structural determinants of inequity and working on social determinants of health, the state aims to improve overall health outcomes in NH communities.
But the Office of Health Equity cannot address this issue alone. And the marginalization of Indigenous people in NH is not just a concern for these communities. It is a detriment to the entire state. It perpetuates cycles of inequality, hinders social cohesion and undermines the well-being of all residents. Recognizing and addressing the systemic marginalization of Indigenous people is crucial for fostering a more inclusive society where all individuals can thrive regardless of their background or heritage.
By acknowledging the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities and working toward rectifying these disparities, New Hampshire can move toward a more equitable future that values and respects the rich cultural heritage of its native inhabitants.
This article is featured in the spring-summer 2024 issue of 603 Diversity.
603 Diversity’s mission is to educate readers of all backgrounds about the exciting accomplishments and cultural contributions of the state’s diverse communities, as well as the challenges faced and support needed by those communities to continue to grow and thrive in the Granite State.
