AMERICAN INDIAN
Overview Today, 2.5 million people (0.9 percent of the United States population) comprise about 500 federally recognized tribes. Exposure to the dominant culture continues to influ- ence native traditions and has resulted in a wide combination of traditional and modern beliefs and practices.
Unique customs and beliefs that may influence grief in four
indigenous tribes of North America. (Adapted from the presentation of Darlene Johnson)
History and culture. The term Native American has typically been used to describe the tribes of indigenous people living on this continent before the arrival of white Europeans. However, some people whose ancestors immigrated to the United States centuries ago also consider themselves Native Americans. To avoid confusion, the term indigenous people is used in this discussion of the culture and expressions of grief and loss among selected tribes.
Beliefs, traditions, and ceremonies among tribes differ widely. Consequently, indig- enous people are not one people or one culture. The current culture of each tribe also reflects many influences, including levels of assimilation and acculturation, experiences resulting from relocation, and education at boarding schools. Many indigenous children missed growing up with the traditions of their ancestors because the Bureau of Indian Affairs relocated them to distant boarding schools. The Bureau sent Sioux children to Kansas and Navajo children to Sioux country. To promote their acculturation, teachers forced these children to cut their hair and forbade them to speak their native language. Competing missionary efforts also have left their mark. Indigenous people now practice several Christian religions (e.g., Catholic, Presbyterian, or Jehovah Witness). It was easy for missionaries to convert indigenous people to Christian religions because they also believed in one Creator.
Today, the unique culture of each of the 500 tribes is rooted not only in the separate beliefs, customs, and traditions that have been passed down through the generations, but also reflects exposure to the majority culture. Even families that share a common tribal heritage may have different customs as the result of their own experiences and lev- els of assimilation. In addition, personal beliefs, the extent and nature of family support, and the status of the deceased in the tribal community also affect mourning practices.
Traditionally, some tribes or clans have been matriarchal societies. Mothers, daughters, aunts, and grandmothers make the important decisions. Other tribal societies may be bilinear or patriarchal. In all tribes, the wisdom and experience of elders are honored and respected. In each family or clan, one elder may be designated as the final decision maker. Sometimes, the family must have permission from this elder before any medical treatment or hospitalization can occur.
Following is a discussion of the history and culture of four particular tribes, the Sioux, Omaha, Sauk and Fox, and Navajo:
VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY: CROSS CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF AT THE LOSS OF AN INFANT 17
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