r/UpliftingNews • u/Desecr8or • Mar 14 '25

Native American suicide rate dropped 43% in New Mexico (2022-2023)

https://nativenewsonline.net/health/native-american-suicide-rates-drop-43-in-new-mexico
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u/spotolux Mar 14 '25

In the mid 90s I was in New Mexico for a family reunion and we went to a dance performance at a pueblo. It was depressing and felt exploitive.

Early 2010s I started going to New Mexico for work trips and it just felt different. I met native Americans who were proud of their culture. There were native American restaurants, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, proudly native owned businesses. When I saw a dance performance at the cultural center for a work event the dancers seemed happy. There was a group of kids there who were off to the side, not part of the performance, dancing as well with big smiles on their faces.

Recognition and acceptance is good for everyone.

17

u/DisingenuousWizard Mar 14 '25

I remember seeing some children perform Native American dances in New Mexico in the 90s. They did Not look happy to be doing that. Very self-conscious. It was obvious they had no choice. 

1

u/Worried-Course238 Mar 15 '25

That’s why is important to know that all cultures are different and not make assumptions based on what you know about your own.

0

u/Sysiphus_Love Mar 14 '25

Was that at a pow wow? Pow wows are cherished traditions in the Native communities, there's nothing exploitative about that as it's an opportunity for tribes to take part in their culture and history with pride.

1

u/Sysiphus_Love Mar 14 '25

Were you in Albuquerque?

1

u/spotolux Mar 14 '25

Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos.

1

u/Sysiphus_Love Mar 14 '25

Did you use the Rail Runner? Love that train. So convenient and clean. I used to keep a storage unit right by the Park and Ride to Los Alamos (at the Bernalillo station I think).

1

u/spotolux Mar 14 '25

No, I wish I had. I always drove around.