NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
ERIC Number: ED329391
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1985
Pages: 27
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Strong Tribal Identity Can Protect Native American Youth. How Can We Help?
Gale, Nancy
Research suggests that Indian youth who identify strongly with a specific tribal culture or with family members who maintain traditional Indian values are much less likely to be at risk for alcohol and drug abuse. This booklet describes four tribal programs that seek to increase the tribal identity of adolescents. Each of these programs emphasizes a sense of belonging among participants and sponsors activities that are drug and alcohol-free. On the Wind River Reservation (Wyoming), Shoshone and Arapahoe teenagers have built a living history village. Youth who have learned their tribal traditions dress in traditional clothing and operate the village as a tourist attraction. At Fort Peck Reservation (Montana), Assiniboine and Sioux youth give away star quilts made by their families during traditional ceremonies. Both giving and receiving a quilt are great honors. In San Juan Pueblo (New Mexico), several adults teach young people traditional dances, drumming, composing, language skills, and costume and moccasin making. The community dance group has performed internationally, and former dancers have become community leaders and new role models for youth. For two years the Gila River Indian Community (Arizona), with support from United National Indian Tribal Youth, has operated the Akimel O'Odham/Pee-Posh Tribal Youth Council. This 14-member youth council is a replica of the tribe's governing body and has the responsibility of advising tribal officials. (SV)
Native American Development Corporation, 1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite #1206, Washington, DC 20036.
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Department of Education, Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Native American Development Corp., Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A