Historical Consciousness Among Two American Indian Tribes

Abstract

American Indians have endured numerous significant historical events, including epidemics, warfare, genocide, relocation, and for many, confinement to reservations. These events often are thought to be the root cause of contemporary physical and mental health problems within this population. Yet despite the presumed force of history in shaping their contemporary lives, there has been surprisingly little empirical examination of the extent to which Native people contemplate their history or understand it in relation to their present lives. This article explores attitudes toward and knowledge of significant historical events using a representative, community-based sample drawn from two tribes, one in the Northern Plains culture area and the other in the Southwest. Taken as a whole, findings suggest that the past continues to have meaning for contemporary American Indians and is related in important ways to identity and formal education.

Intergenerational Dialogue Exchange and Action: Introducing a Community-Based Participatory Approach to Connect Youth, Adults and Elders in an Alaskan Native Community

“…This sense of identity and purpose is perhaps especially important for people, in this case ANs, whose traditional ways have been systematically marginalized. Without clear intergenerational guidance, it is harder for AI/AN youth to consider their own problems in (cultural) context, and to glean strength, and a sense of control and purpose from the effort (Jervis, et al, 2006;Wexler et al, 2009). Without this perspective, youth are less able to access cultural resources when facing challenges (Walters & Simoni, 2009;King, Smith, & Gracey, 2009;Wexler, In press).…”

Historical Trauma Among Urban American Indians: Impact on Substance Abuse and Family Cohesion

“…Thus, the losses scale could be picking up elements of protective factors as well as risk factors. On its own, thinking frequently about the tragic features of the AI historical experience may tap aspects of enculturation or historical consciousness (Jervis et al, 2006), which in the presence of cultural support systems could have protective effects on risky health behavior. Also, strengths-based narratives of survival and success in the face of trauma may promote resilience in families (Denham, 2008).…”

Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections in the North American Arctic

“…First, CBPR engages aboriginal or indigenous people in full and equal partnership with those communities in efforts to observe and respect tribal sovereignty and the right to self-determination (28). Second, the growing interest in addressing the interrelatedness of historic trauma and health disparities in indigenous populations and the inherent complexities of unraveling the interconnected components and concepts related to historic trauma and health can best be understood by discussions and conversations with indigenous communities (29,30). Third, a legacy of harm from past research, as well as mistrust of researchers, warrants the use of CBPR as a means to ensure that all phases of a research project, from the development of research questions to research design and data collection methods to dissemination of results, have community input and approval (26,31).…”