According to newly released U.S. Bureau of Justice statistics, Native Americans are incarcerated at six times the rate of white Americans in the state of Washington. These numbers illuminate a glaring discrepancy that is much higher than the national average.
Concerning Statistics
“Centuries of dispossession and disinvestment.” – Last month, the US public policy advocacy group Prison Policy Initiative (PPI) released damning statistics assembled from the US Bureau of Justice Statistics data.
Six Times the Rate
These statistics concerned the incarceration rates of indigenous Native Americans in Washington state.
According to the PPI, indigenous people in Washington are imprisoned at more than six times the rate of white people.
The Newest Data We Have
These statistics date back to 2021 and are the most recent data set on the subject currently available to the public.
Rates Have Doubled
The discrepancy between Native and White incarceration demographics has doubled over ten years, according to equivalent 2010 statistics released by the PPI.
2010 Statistics
Back in 2010, the white incarceration rate in Washington was just 437 per 100,000 people, compared to 1,427 per 100,000 for indigenous people.
Double the Difference
Though these numbers dropped in 2021 to 149 and 981, respectively, the gap between white and indigenous incarcerations doubled.
Instead of Native Americans being incarcerated at three times the rate of white Americans, it is now six times the rate.
Overrepresentation
Despite making up just 2% of the state’s population, Native Americans are overrepresented in the state prison population by more than double, at 5%.
Maybe It Makes Sense?
Wanda Bertram, a spokesperson for the PPI, addressed these troubling statistics.
At first, she acknowledged that states with a higher indigenous population will naturally have a higher indigenous prison population.
Washington in Particular
However, Bertram also pointed out that the indigenous incarceration rates in Washington state, in particular, are “considerably” higher than the national average, including many states that have higher indigenous populations.
Poverty and Over-policing
When discussing further reasons for these discrepancies in Washington, Bertram believes that this disproportionate incarceration is rooted in poverty and over-policing.
Indigenous communities experience higher levels of both compared to white Americans.
Dispossession and Disinvestment
“It has to do with centuries of dispossession and disinvestment in their communities,” Bertram said.
Poverty Rates Through the Roof
Throughout the US, 25% of indigenous people as a whole live in poverty. And in Washington specifically, the number is as high as 48%, according to the 2022 budget request from the state Office of Financial Management.
Indian County Jail
The number of ‘Indian country jails’ on tribal land is also increasing, which may also be contributing to the disproportionate increases.
Other Racial Groups Affected
Of course, indigenous people are not the only racial groups that are disproportionately represented in prison statistics.
As of 2021, Black people have been incarcerated at 5.7 times the rate of white people and Hispanics at 1.5 times the rate.
What We Can Do
Bertram believes that progressive social initiatives, such as affordable housing programs, social programs, and increased public benefits, could all contribute toward reducing incarceration rates and associated racial disparities throughout the US.
“America only has ONE NATIONAL ANTHEM”: Fans Outraged After Black National Anthem Is Sung at Super Bowl LVII Instead of American National Anthem
The NFL’s decision to include the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the “Black National Anthem,” at the opening of Super Bowl LVII has sparked severe online controversy. Here’s the full story. “America only has ONE NATIONAL ANTHEM”: Fans Outraged After Black National Anthem Is Sung at Super Bowl LVII Instead of American National Anthem
“Karma Strikes Back” – Russia Faces Its Largest Attack on Home Soil Since the War Began
Reports of drone attacks on Russian soil by the Ukrainian forces have escalated to the largest cross-border attack since the war started, with the important airport in Pskov becoming the latest victim. “Karma Strikes Back” – Russia Faces Its Largest Attack on Home Soil Since the War Began
“Texas Is Doomed” – Federal Judge Delivers a Controversial Verdict, Gov. Greg Abbott Accused of Breaking the Law in Latest Legal Showdown
A federal judge has ruled that Texas governor Greg Abbott violated federal laws in his fight to keep Mexicans out. Now, the Republican may be up a creek without a paddle. “Texas Is Doomed” – Federal Judge Delivers a Controversial Verdict, Gov. Greg Abbott Accused of Breaking the Law in Latest Legal Showdown
They “Boxed All of the Black Children Together” – Florida Principal Threatens High-Achieving Black Student With Jail Time if Test Scores Don’t Improve
Bunnell Elementary School’s new principal, Donelle Evensen, attempted a unique strategy to address academic performance concerns, but it backfired spectacularly, sparking outrage and accusations of racial insensitivity. They “Boxed All of the Black Children Together” – Florida Principal Threatens High-Achieving Black Student With Jail Time if Test Scores Don’t Improve
Florida’s COVID Hospitalizations Soar as DeSantis Administration Urges People Under 65 Not to Get Newly Approved Boosters
Florida’s Covid-19 hospitalizations have surged to a post-pandemic record. Amid this crisis, Governor Ron DeSantis and his surgeon general’s controversial warning against COVID-19 booster shots has sparked intense debate and concern within the medical community. Florida’s COVID Hospitalizations Soar as DeSantis Administration Urges People Under 65 Not to Get Newly Approved Boosters
The post “Centuries of Dispossession and Disinvestment” – Indigenous People in Washington Imprisoned at Six Times the Rate of White People, According to New Data first appeared on Mama Say What?!.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / hw22. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
