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Native Americans

Explore the diverse culture, challenges, and beliefs of Native Americans in the US, from historical struggles to present-day issues like high dropout rates and alcoholism. Gain insights into their spiritual beliefs, family dynamics, and educational concerns.

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Native Americans

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  1. Native Americans Carolyn R. Fallahi, Ph. D.

  2. Population • 2.3 million Native Americans in the US • California • Oklahoma • Arizona • New Mexico • North Carolina • Washington • South Dakota

  3. Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs • 1/4th Indian heritage • Because of this definition … a number of Indians are probably underrepresented. • Diversity • Includes American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts • 517 Federally recognized Native American entities. • 200-2,200 distinct languages spoken.

  4. How do we refer to Native Americans? • Use the name of the person’s tribe. • If tribal affiliation not known, American Indian is the name preferred by most Native American Tribes and organizations. • Others: Native Amerindian, native People.

  5. Experiences shared by Native Americans • Loss of tribal lands to the US government. • Problems with assimilation • General lack of respect for their humanity. • Examples • Cultural genocide

  6. Statistics • Average life expectancy – 8 years less than most Anglo Americans • Median age = 20.4 (20 years younger than the national median). • High rates of unemployment, school dropout, teen pregnancy.

  7. Everything in nature has a spirit • All animals, inanimate objects, the sky, the earth. • Respect and reverence necessary for nature. • Harmony and disharmony • What causes mental illness?

  8. Beliefs • Reincarnation • Dreams – important visions • Prayer • Sharing and generosity • Family treasured • The “Indian way” • storytelling

  9. Discipline • Shaming, ridicule, natural consequences • Gilt is less prominent • Present orientation to time • “Indian time” • Noninterference • Direct confrontation • Healing process • Talking circle

  10. Educational concerns • Highest dropout rate • 57% obtain a high school degree • Why? • English • Low self-esteem • Cultural value differences • Health problems • Chronic poverty • Few positive career role models

  11. Alcoholism • 52%-80% • Lower tolerance? • Tafoya and Del Vecchio (1996) • Underuse of mental health services • High drop out rate • Trimble and Fleming (1989) – cultural time out • Nonverbal behavior

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