Native Americans Flashcards
When treating Natives, what should counselors be aware of initially?
Many Natives are still leery of systems which you will represent. Also do not assume every Native has the same spiritual beliefs, many identify along the Christianity spectrum.
Where does the native population fall in substance use disorders?
Highest percentage of people with a SUD and also the highest percentage of people who do not use at all.
How many treaties were signed and broken that were concerning the native populations?
All of them
What are the four medicines?
Tobacco, Cedar, Sage, Sweet Grass
What was a major cause of historical trauma amongst the native population?
Boarding Schools
What is intergenerational trauma?
Transmission of historical oppression and its negative consequences across generations.
What is the medicine wheel?
Takes the four directions. east represents spring, child, tobacco, spiritual. South represents summer, youth, cedar, emotional. West represents Autumn, adult, sage, physical. North represents winter, elder, sweet grass, mental
Describe the use of tobacco
(east) Considered the most important medicine. Spiritual link between individual and creator. Used as an offering before doing almost anything.
Describe the use of cedar
(south) Used to purify the home. Used in sweat lodges and fasting for protection. It is a guardian spirit and chases away the bad spirts
Describe the use of sage
(west) used in smudging. Removes what is troubling the mind and releases negative energy.
Describe the use of sweet grass.
(north) Hair of Mother Earth. Promotes her gentleness, love and kindness. Used for calming.
How many recognized tribes are in the US?
573
How many tribes operate gaming institutions?
238
Natives have the highest rates of SUD’s and binge drinking - T or F
True
Natives are more likely to report no alcohol use in the past year than other major racial and ethnic groups. T or F
True
By 2050 what is the estimated number of Native languages that will exist
20
What are the 7 periods of policy decisions for Native Americans?
Removal Treaties Relocation Allotment & Assimilation Reorganization Termination Self-determination
What were some of the major events that have created historical trauma for Natives?
Boarding schools
General Allotment act
Natives being granted citizenship 4 years after women won the right to vote
What are the 4 medicines found in the Northwoods tribes?
Tobacco - East - most important medicine. Spiritual link to the creator.
Cedar - South - Purifier. Calls the attention of the spirits and guardian spirit.
Sage - West - Sage is used for what is troubling the mind and removing negative energy
Sweet Grass - North - Hair of Mother Earth and reminder of her gentleness, love and kindness she has for the people.
What does East represent?
Yellow, direction of spring, enlightenment, new birth, renewal and illumination.
What does South represent?
Red, Summer and adolescence. Experimentation of youth
What does West represent?
Black, acceptance of oneself. Physical and spiritual beings.
What does North Represent?
White, Cleansing and purifying of what stands in the way of our service to others.
What is intergenerational trauma?
the transmission of historical oppression and its negative consequences across generations. Epigenetics
Understand the process of healing for Natives
Story telling. Ceremonies for grief and mourning. Many of these were banned by the federal government.
What is a lot of healing about for many Natives?
reclaiming culture. Culture is seen as prevention.
