Research Reports
Reflections on Traditional American Indian Ways, 1998
Threats to Tribal Sovereignty, 1998
Traditional American Indian Leadership: A Comparison with U.S. Governance, 1997
Culture/Families and Traditions
Revitalizing language, supporting families and family roles, teaching traditions and ceremonies to the next and younger generation, and providing support to build strong Indian identities in the community are primary suggestions provided by participants. Indian people, while living in and adapting to mainstream society, continue to see culture and traditions as critically important. They suggest Indian communities work together to provide cultural resources to learn traditional ways as well as opportunities to participate in cultural activities.
“So maybe a recommendation is a calling on people to start … more people to step out like if you come to the Family Center [American Indian Family Center, St. Paul] there are several people who are real well versed … they know the culture but really how many people in the community are taking action and teaching young kids …Can more people, not necessarily elders but those who are knowledgeable, can they step forward and start teaching others …”
Participants indicate the important role parents have in raising children to know about values, culture, and traditions of their ancestors. Each family member has distinct roles for this transmission of knowledge, and each must be willing to take on these important cultural roles.
“Everybody has to do their part. I mean, how hard are you striving today to say, ‘Okay, come on kids, let’s learn this language here,’ or this word, or this part of your tradition, whatever it may be? How hard am I trying? How many people did I talk to about it within the last month or over the last year? See what I mean? That would involve one hundred percent participation, if you want to create a change that’s gonna hit the scales and be noticeable.”
“[We have to look at] how are we raising our children and our families, and looking at culture, tradition, and language. Language has become a big focus of mine-promoting an affirmative existence and quality of life.”
“…we need to get men involved. Young boys need role models…most of these positive programs we’re talking about are run by women. Having more adult men – and not just men, but healthy, stable men – having those role models around would make a huge difference… boys are struggling, especially when they get to adolescence, and that’s when they run into trouble.”
“You don’t see men at pow-wows. You see little boys and older men, but between the ages of about 20 and 50, the men don’t come to pow-wows. Where are they? Some are in prison, yes, and some don’t care.”
Again, language and identity formation are mentioned as solutions.
“I’m just thrilled to see the innocence in their faces. As the years go on you see that smile fade, you see the sparkle in the eyes go away and when they get 12, 13, 14 … there’s something going on and I’m probably as convinced as I’ll ever be that it has to do with your identity and your soul. I wish I could create a model that said stop looking outward for what you need … start looking inward for what you need and looking in the past to project the future.”
“The [Indian] language is very important. Once they understand the language they understand what life is about. That’s what I always tell the people, language is the powerful thing. I tell my little grandson who’s five years old; I tell him that all the time.”
Revitalizing culture, values, and traditions is a critical step for the American Indian community as it may have an affect on the high numbers of Indians in the criminal justice system.
The
Well-Being of American Indian Children in Minnesota: Economic Conditions,
1994
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Tuesday November 1, 2005