Al-Jazeera reports that while American Indians make up less than 1 percent of the population, they account for 2 percent of those killed at the hands of law enforcement officials. Yet, as Al-Jazeera points out, these killings get little to no media attention.

“The police serve as a colonial occupying force in these [Native American] communities,” according to the family lawyer of Paul Castaway, a mentally ill citizen of the Rosebud Sioux tribe who was recently shot to death by Denver police.

“They are not there to serve and protect,” attorney David Lane says. “They are there to occupy these communities.”

—Posted by Natasha Hakimi Zapata

Dig, Root, Grow

This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.

Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.

Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.

This spring, stand with our journalists.

Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.

Donate today.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG