NCJ Number
158619
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video, accompanied by a study guide for users, is one of five videos designed to increase awareness of cultural diversity among those who work with African-Americans, Asian/Pacific-Americans, Chicano/Latino-Americans, and Native- Americans; this video profiles the cultural characteristics of Native Americans and draws implications for service-providers who work with them.
Abstract
The format of the video consists of comments and insights by various Native Americans regarding their cultural values and how they impact their receptivity to government agencies and services. One person advises that all Native Americans are still in the process of recovery from oppression, poverty, and deprivation. In the midst of this recovery they are committed to the preservation of their cultural heritage while attempting to adapt to their current environment in a way that will advance their welfare. The video emphasizes and portrays art as the central medium for expressing and perpetuating Native American culture. Various Native American commentators explain the meaning of the portrayed cultural activities through the arts of clothing design, paintings, and dance. Within these common cultural media, the diversity of Indian values and spiritual dimensions are passed from generation to generation. One commentator advises that the mistrust of white governmental representatives is so strong among Native Americans that the Federal Government should employ only Native Americans to work with other Native Americans. Service providers must understand the Native American definition of family, the traditions of ancestry, and the importance of working with the tribal government to provide services. The study guide provides material and guidelines for a training program based in the video. For other videos in the series, see NCJ- 158615-18.