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
Conclusion
Focus group discussions and survey responses were a microcosm of the larger social reality. Group participants and survey respondents spoke in general, broad terms about communications and relationships between reservation American Indians and non-Indians from communities neighboring the reservation. It was proposed that a lack of information, misunderstandings, stereotypes and racism are the major barriers to improving communications between the communities. Education was viewed by many as the essential means of improving communications and of consequently improving relationships between the cultures.
Lack of information and understanding was evident in the discussions and survey responses. It was difficult for participants and respondents to address specifics on this topic because the language used to describe their experience lacked concrete definition. The most noteworthy example of this was the word "racism" as a common theme in the discussions. Racism is a widely- used concept and many people have a feeling about what constitutes "racism." Few people, however, could reach consensus on a concrete definition grounded in experience.
This may be a manifestation of a lack of common experience and understanding. Ignorance across the cultures is present on both sides. In the face of ignorance, it is easy for people to rely on a concept such as racism to explain what they otherwise know little about. In our experience of facilitating the mixed-race focus group, the word "racism" stopped effective dialogue. The dialogue improved when the word was taken out of the discussion and participants spoke specifically about their experience.
This information provides valuable insight for those interested in improving communications between American Indians and non-Indians. Dialogue seems most productive when discussed within the context of experiences grounded in reality rather than through concepts such as "racism" that lack common understanding. Given that lack of knowledge is viewed as the biggest barrier to communications and relationships, specific information and education may be keys to improving understanding. Keeping general concepts such as "racism" out of discussions is difficult, but might be most productive with people who have a longstanding history of misunderstanding.
Another way to improve cross-cultural interactions may be for American Indians and non-Indians to talk less in terms of conflict and more in terms of shared interests, in other words, the things they share in common. It is notable that the mixed-race group sought to address "racism," rather than first discussing their shared beliefs and values. For effective cross-cultural communications to occur, it seems necessary to discuss common interests. One participant suggested that a mediator, respected by both communities, may be able to help facilitate this type of interaction.
Few "non-governmental" venues exist for encouraging respectful cross-cultural interactions. It was suggested that intermingling American Indian and non-Indian peer groups, cultivating cross- cultural friendships and increasing educational efforts may improve relations. Individuals, both Indian and non-Indian, need to begin to take the initiative to interact cross-culturally.
While one participant reminds "there are no easy answers," these findings provide a starting point for persons wanting to improve communications and relationships between reservation American Indians and non-Indians from communities neighboring the reservation.
The
Well-Being of American Indian Children in Minnesota: Economic Conditions,
1994
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