Nothing gives anyone the right to speak for anyone else. But one does not have to be a member of an oppressed group to fight oppression. People who take a principled stand against injustice have a right and a responsibility to fight racism, no matter what form it takes, and no matter who is its victim. When Indians and non-Indians stand in alliance against racism, we uphold the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. This is such a trivial matter.
Racism is never trivial.
It is a threat to a people's dignity and self-determination. Certainly, we must continue to address the many other problems Native Americans face.