Known for its breathtaking landscapes and cowboy heritage, Wyoming harbors a darker side, with Riverton emerging as a focal point for racially charged issues, according to numerous studies and reports.
Unraveling Riverton’s History of Racism
Situated on the Wind River Indian Reservation, Riverton, with its 11,000 inhabitants, traces its origins back to 1906 when white settlers laid claim to land recognized under a treaty as belonging to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Legal disputes ensued, involving conflicts over land and water rights, as well as jurisdiction and taxation matters.
Riverton’s troubled history includes hate crimes and racial discrimination against its Native American population, constituting about 10% of the city. Some notorious incidents include:
- In 2015, racial slurs accompanied an attack where two white men shot at a group of Native American men with a BB gun.
- In 2014, a white man with a history of racist comments killed a Northern Arapaho man in a detox center.
- In 2010, three white men subjected a Native American man to a brutal beating and branding with a swastika in a park.
- In 1988, a white man, despite confessing to the crime, was acquitted by an all-white jury for stabbing a Native American man to death in a bar.
Riverton’s Infamous Racist Reputation
Riverton’s history has garnered it a negative reputation among Native Americans, minorities, and human rights advocates. Multiple sources have labeled it the most racist city in Wyoming:
- Abodo, an apartment search website, ranked Riverton first in Wyoming and 13th in the nation for the highest frequency of racist tweets.
- Data scientist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz linked Riverton to the Appalachian region, which had the highest concentration of racist searches in the nation.
- RoadSnacks, an online publication, named Riverton the most dangerous, poorest, and least diverse city in Wyoming based on crime, education, income, and diversity data.
Responding to Racism in Riverton
Despite official denials and downplaying of racism by Riverton’s authorities and residents, efforts to address the issue have emerged:
- In 2016, the Riverton City Council passed a resolution denouncing racism and promoting harmony, supported by the Wind River Native Advocacy Center.
- In 2017, Riverton High School students organized a walkout to protest racism and bullying, demanding cultural awareness and sensitivity training.
- In 2018, the Riverton Community Food Bank hosted a multicultural potluck to celebrate diversity, featuring food, music, and stories from various ethnic and religious groups.
The Uncertain Path Forward for Riverton
Riverton’s future regarding racism remains uncertain, influenced by ongoing legal and political conflicts, demographic and economic changes, and potential social and cultural movements. Despite being labeled the most racist city in Wyoming, Riverton has the potential to reshape its narrative and reputation. The question that lingers is whether it will seize this opportunity for change.
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