07/04/2026
For many, the Fourth of July is a celebration of freedom and the birth of a nation. For Native Americans, it can also be a time of reflection, a reminder that while this country declared its independence in 1776, Indigenous peoples were already here, with our own nations, governments, cultures, and ways of life.
Our history is one of resilience. Despite generations of broken treaties, forced removal, and attempts to erase our languages and traditions, Native people are still here. We are still speaking our languages, practicing our ceremonies, raising our children in our cultures, and protecting our communities.
This Independence Day, we honor the strength and perseverance of Indigenous peoples and recognize that true freedom means acknowledging our shared history, respecting tribal sovereignty, and continuing the work toward justice and equality for all.
We are still here. We are still strong. And our stories matter.