Native American Participation Research and Outreach
Strategic Priority
Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation (R3) - Engaging Participants
Project Description
There are nearly 600 federally recognized Native American tribes, with approximately seven million members inhabiting all 50 states in America today. Even though our nation's indigenous people were the original hunters, trappers, anglers, and conservationists, we do not know much about their current participation rates or their current cultural acceptance of hunting, trapping, and target shooting. We also do not understand Native Americans' current barriers to entry, access to lands and shooting ranges, or their perceptions of state and federal wildlife agencies. As a result of the limited knowledge we have of this underserved segment, there are few R3 efforts dedicated to Native Americans. Additionally, few proven communication strategies to better engage and support our nation's indigenous people leave wildlife agencies and the firearms industry without a clear plan to engage this important segment of original outdoors people. A strong need exists to research to gain current insights on Native Americans. Such updated information will benefit state agencies and industries looking to understand better and engage with millions of Native Americans.
Project Facts
- Organization Name: Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation
- Organization Status: NGO classified as 501(c)(3)
- State: Connecticut
- Obligation: $116,000
- Start Date: 01-01-2022
- End Date: 12-31-2022
Results
With more than seven million Native American tribal members inhabiting all 50 states in America, it is imperative to better understand current participation rates and perceptions of hunting, trapping, and target shooting within this important group. Working with partners from the Little River Band of
Ottawa Indians and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, OSCF developed and conducted an online survey among the US general population and the Native American population. Objectives for this study included:
- measuring activity, participation, and cultural acceptance.
- identify barriers to entry and potential influences.
- identify and measure awareness and usage of special land access and tribal privileges among Native Americans.
- benchmark perceptions and general opinions of government agencies.
Working with the research firm Sheerwood Enterprises, OSCF administered an online survey using a sample from Dynata. A total of 2,853 interviews were completed allowing for high confidence in the data received. The report generated eye-opening findings, particularly when comparing the Native
American and U.S. general populations. Native Americans currently participate in hunting and fishing activities at a higher rate than the general population and are significantly more interested in and favorable towards hunting, trapping, and target shooting activities.
There is also higher interest in participation among Native Americans who are not currently participating, which helps justify recruitment efforts for wildlife agencies and industry.
