Researching Native American.......

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Would appreciate any input. Seeking info for cultural differences that may arise when caring for a Native American. Would love any first hand experience with such patients in the field!

Thanks!

I had the privilge of meeting two shaman, in 1996. One at Four Corners and the other at a Blackfoot Reservation outside of Glacier National Park. They both discussed the use of ancient herbal medicines. It was truly enlightening. I had met a PhD student who was conducting research on Native Americans and she invited me to accompany her the the Four Corners meeting.

Grannynurse :balloons:

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My partner (of 9 years)is from the Blackfoot Nation east of Calgary Canada. When we go back to Canada in the next few years (with experience) I hope to one day work on the rez and help the people. I am interested in First Nation/Native American culture and giving back the respect and helping with healthcare for the people.

This is my biggest goal and wish to come true. However prior to that I must gain nursing clinical experience.

I know communication wise, that when communicating with native people to give minimal eye contact out of respect. Also to not interrupt when one is speaking. Allow the person to finish.

I can find out more answers from my partners family in Canada. They will be happy to answer.

:)

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I realize that you are just making your situation known. :)

Many, many tribal differences. I do not know from what tribe you originate, but, in my tribal community, some of the members are encouraged to seek help within the tribal community by way of the chief elder/shaman. Then, seek out Western medicine.

Husband is Oneida. His mother's tribe. His dad is Ojibwe/Potawatomie. Husband has cousins and uncles that are Mohawk also. Everyone I have met in the family uses modern health care. Maybe somewhere way up in Ontario, or in a rural area, his distant relatives may still use medicine from the old ways, but in general the urban indians use modern medicine. The rez in Michigan, is building a top of the art medical facility as I write this.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Husband is Oneida. His mother's tribe. His dad is Ojibwe/Potawatomie. Husband has cousins and uncles that are Mohawk also. Everyone I have met in the family uses modern health care. Maybe somewhere way up in Ontario, or in a rural area, his distant relatives may still use medicine from the old ways, but in general the urban indians use modern medicine. The rez in Michigan, is building a top of the art medical facility as I write this.

My family are in the poorest areas of the country and therefore, poorer reservations.:)

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My family are in the poorest areas of the country and therefore, poorer reservations.:)

I once was interested in working on the Pine Ridge Rez, my husband said no. He said it was bad out that way, with poverty. Casino's have made the rez's here in Michigan wealthy. Some do better than others, but the rez where in laws live, is doing exceptionally well in the casino business. They are really building up the community and the rez.

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Thanks to everyone for the links and information! After researching at the library and looking through nursing journals I was afraid I wouldnt be able to gather enough information to write an informative report. Now Im looking forward to this weekend when I can put everything Ive learned together, and present an accurate picture of this culture. I have always been drawn to the spirituality of the Native Americans and I knew that they were honorable and respectful people.

I realize that probably most of the NAI's I may encounter will be very americanized and utilize modern medicine. However I hope I will also see, as I do in my own family (Sicilian), some of their heritage and "old ways" still intact. I love sitting and talking with the elderly about the past and getting their views on the changes in the world. Our nursing homes are chock full of people who seem to be "thrown away"........so sad! So many of them have lived in a world that we'll never again see, worked hard, loved and lost so much. My Great Grandfather died at 103 yrs old. He was a 14 year old Sicillian boy who landed on Ellis Island alone and with nothing. We honored him and kept him at home until the day he passed away. I never tired of listening to his stories about the "old country".

My main goal when posting for information was simply to learn about any cultural barriers that I might inadvertently cross when caring for a Native American. Being a Sicilian originally from NY and living now in the midwest, I DO everyday, notice cultural differences between myself and my class mates and coworkers. People here are more judgemental and indirect than we are back home. I have not felt "accepted" or respected alot of the time here and I dont want to ever make a patient of mine feel this way. Doing my clinicals at a state run nursing facility I see the elderly being so disrespected, not properly covered, being spoken"about" as if they arent there.......

Well, Im off to study for parenteral feeding. Thanks again!!!!!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Thanks to everyone for the links and information! After researching at the library and looking through nursing journals I was afraid I wouldnt be able to gather enough information to write an informative report. Now Im looking forward to this weekend when I can put everything Ive learned together, and present an accurate picture of this culture. I have always been drawn to the spirituality of the Native Americans and I knew that they were honorable and respectful people.

I realize that probably most of the NAI's I may encounter will be very americanized and utilize modern medicine. However I hope I will also see, as I do in my own family (Sicilian), some of their heritage and "old ways" still intact. I love sitting and talking with the elderly about the past and getting their views on the changes in the world. Our nursing homes are chock full of people who seem to be "thrown away"........so sad! So many of them have lived in a world that we'll never again see, worked hard, loved and lost so much. My Great Grandfather died at 103 yrs old. He was a 14 year old Sicillian boy who landed on Ellis Island alone and with nothing. We honored him and kept him at home until the day he passed away. I never tired of listening to his stories about the "old country".

My main goal when posting for information was simply to learn about any cultural barriers that I might inadvertently cross when caring for a Native American. Being a Sicilian originally from NY and living now in the midwest, I DO everyday, notice cultural differences between myself and my class mates and coworkers. People here are more judgemental and indirect than we are back home. I have not felt "accepted" or respected alot of the time here and I dont want to ever make a patient of mine feel this way. Doing my clinicals at a state run nursing facility I see the elderly being so disrespected, not properly covered, being spoken"about" as if they arent there.......

Well, Im off to study for parenteral feeding. Thanks again!!!!!

I wish you good luck with your studies, ChristinaV. Glad we could help you.:balloons:

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.
Thanks to everyone for the links and information! After researching at the library and looking through nursing journals I was afraid I wouldnt be able to gather enough information to write an informative report. Now Im looking forward to this weekend when I can put everything Ive learned together, and present an accurate picture of this culture. I have always been drawn to the spirituality of the Native Americans and I knew that they were honorable and respectful people.

I realize that probably most of the NAI's I may encounter will be very americanized and utilize modern medicine. However I hope I will also see, as I do in my own family (Sicilian), some of their heritage and "old ways" still intact. I love sitting and talking with the elderly about the past and getting their views on the changes in the world. Our nursing homes are chock full of people who seem to be "thrown away"........so sad! So many of them have lived in a world that we'll never again see, worked hard, loved and lost so much. My Great Grandfather died at 103 yrs old. He was a 14 year old Sicillian boy who landed on Ellis Island alone and with nothing. We honored him and kept him at home until the day he passed away. I never tired of listening to his stories about the "old country".

My main goal when posting for information was simply to learn about any cultural barriers that I might inadvertently cross when caring for a Native American. Being a Sicilian originally from NY and living now in the midwest, I DO everyday, notice cultural differences between myself and my class mates and coworkers. People here are more judgemental and indirect than we are back home. I have not felt "accepted" or respected alot of the time here and I dont want to ever make a patient of mine feel this way. Doing my clinicals at a state run nursing facility I see the elderly being so disrespected, not properly covered, being spoken"about" as if they arent there.......

Well, Im off to study for parenteral feeding. Thanks again!!!!!

Very thoughtful post. You will certainly be a sensitive and caring nurse. Best wishes to you :balloons:

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Would appreciate any input. Seeking info for cultural differences that may arise when caring for a Native American. Would love any first hand experience with such patients in the field!

Thanks!

Hello Christina,

Nice to read you, I am a fish clan, chicago area Anishinaabe and my name is Jenn.

The only things I have to offer to this thread is that there are some generalitites that may be true basically across the board and there may be some that just don't fit.

There are over 500 federally recongnized Indian tribes and more that are unrecognized too. There are tribally residing traditional members and tribally residing non-traditionals. There are also non-tribally residing traditional and non traditional members.

There are fully acculterated members and fully non-acculterated members. There are members who speak there native tongue exclusively and those whose tribes are reviving their traditional languagues.

There are urban born, urban residing Indians and so on.

What the concensus seems to be with these 'culturally' sensative questions may be answered in the IHS link that someone else attached.

Also, don't forget that cultural sensativity and respect go a long way and that relaxing and treating the patient with concern and kindness will go a long way.

Good luck,

Gennaver

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