Worldview, Identity, and Prevention in American Indian Communities (From Health Promotion and Substance Abuse Prevention Among American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Issues in Cultural Competence, P 67-80, 2001, Joseph E. Trimble, Ph.D., and Fred Beauvais, Ph.D., eds. -- See NCJ-189792)

• NCJ Number: 189795
• Author(s): Grace Powless Sage Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin (SAMHSA)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents a framework for understanding the cultural context in terms of resiliency and the prevention process as it relates to health, mental health, and alcohol and other drug abuse issues in American Indian Native life.

Abstract

The article discusses cultural competence, the relationship between the American Indian Native groups and the concepts of healing and prevention. It emphasizes that, once culturally valued services and programs are embedded in the cultural context, the role of holistic healing, ceremony, and prevention can only be viewed in that context. Clinicians and educators must begin to define community, prevention, networking, collaboration, and healing as it relates to cultural understanding and awareness. When problems like alcohol and other drug abuse are grounded in the community, it is important to consult the community for resolution. The article claims that it is incumbent upon practitioners to understand the culture of the American Indian Native. Further, it is imperative that practitioners support Native practices and work to integrate traditional healing practices with contemporary measures to create a blend of realistic and culturally congruent services. References