Native Americans didn’t have the right to vote in most states until 1962 and later

Celebrating 100 years of Indian citizenship

President Calvin Coolidge (center) posed with Native Americans, possibly from the Plateau area in the Northwestern United States, near the south lawn of the White House. Source: Library of Congress.

Posoh Mark,   Today, Sunday, June 2, marks the 100th anniversary of the Snyder Act of 1924, which allowed Native Americans born in the U.S. to become U.S. citizens.   Although important, this act has incorrectly been referenced as the date when Native Americans were granted the right to vote. The truth is, many states continued to deny this right, and our people faced obstacles to have our voices heard at the ballot box.   We didn’t have the right to vote in most states until 1962 and later.    Yet, the creation of the Snyder Act is important to the legacy and our celebration of Native American Indian warriors who fought for our freedom at a time when they weren’t considered U.S. citizens.   The creation of the Snyder Act was prompted by the 12,500 Native Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I. Praised for their bravery and sacrifice, nearly five percent of our Native warriors died, compared to one percent of American soldiers overall. At that time, our people who fought for freedom weren’t considered U.S. citizens.   In fact, throughout history to the current day, our people serve in the U.S. military at higher rates than any other demographic.   Today, Native American men and women who serve in the U.S. Military are celebrated throughout the year at tribal events, such as pow-wows, meetings, and more. Our veterans serve as color guards who are honored with traditional drumming and singing as they enter carrying tribal staffs, and U.S. and tribal flags.

My father, Hilary ‘Sparky’ Waukau (pictured right), proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was one of those veterans who carried flags or traditional staffs at a variety of events. In fact, two weeks before he died, Dad carried an eagle feather staff at a rally against the proposed Exxon Mine in Crandon.   Today, I’m reminded about an encounter Dad told me about when he returned to the Menominee Reservation after fighting in the Korean War.

He walked into a bar located off the reservation and ordered a beer.   “The bartender told me, ‘We don’t serve Indians here,’” Dad recalled. “Before leaving, I turned around and told him, 'that’s okay because I didn’t fight for the right to have a beer, I fought for your right to freedom.'”   Please join me in celebrating our Native American veterans, our right to be free, our right to be U.S. citizens, and our right to vote.

Wāēwāēnen, Anne Egan-Waukau Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Wisconsin Native Vote

e-mail of June 2 2024 from conservationvoices.org