The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified longstanding economic challenges for young Native Americans living on reservations in the United States. Limited job opportunities have become even scarcer, leaving many youths facing an uncertain future.
\”Someone goes to school for filmmaking, they come back here and there’s nowhere to get a job. So that’s a lack of opportunity right there. Someone has a passion for something and they go away and study it. And then they come back to the ‘res’ because they love their home, and then there’s nowhere to get employment for all the work they just did in school,\” said Kyle Mesteth, Director of Ground Control.
Mesteth expressed frustration over the portrayal of reservation life in the media, emphasizing that young people are eager to contribute to their communities but are hindered by the lack of employment opportunities that align with their skills and education.
With the pandemic exacerbating these issues, there is an urgent call for initiatives that can provide sustainable economic development and create jobs for the youth on reservations. Addressing these disparities is crucial for fostering growth and preventing the outmigration of talented individuals who are essential for the future of their communities.
Reference(s):
The Race Gap in US: Because there's a lot of great things happening
cgtn.com
