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Native American Culture

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An American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) needs assessment survey conveyed that the path to wellness is comprised from physical, mental, and spiritual health, and any imbalances can be restored with traditional healing (Moghaddam, Momper, & Fong, 2015). The purpose of this paper is to describe how culture, traditions, and beliefs impact the AI/AN population, describe how awareness of complementary and alternative practices in the AI/AN population can improve health care, and explain the benefits of addressing cultural and linguistic competence and practices to address the health care needs of the AI/AN population. Peer reviewed articles were searched using Summon and CINAHL databases, limiting the search to within five years and using …show more content…
Native Americans believe in the holistic viewpoint that health is based on maintaining a balance between mind, body, spirit, and the environment, and providers need to be aware that relationships with families, community, healers, and the universe is vital to this population for improved health outcomes (Horowitz, 2012).
Croff et al. (2014) further discusses that there is significant concern among the AI/AN population about the use of evidence-based treatment due to long standing mistrust of Western research ethics with the minority populations. There is a need for heightened organizational, provider, and staff awareness of cultural specific issues for the AI/AN population that could impact treatment such as historical and intergenerational trauma, socioeconomic factors, stigma of mental health disorders, and traditional healing practices, as there may be differences among the tribes (Croff et al., …show more content…
(2014) used substance abuse providers and representatives from Single State Authorities to examine cultural based models of care, resource allocations, and cultural competency training to improve quality of care and substance abuse treatment. Strategies for providers and health care organizations to address cultural and linguistic competencies will need to incorporate the values and philosophies shared by the culture and community such as: incorporating traditional storytelling and infusing Native language into treatment programs; using the Northern Plains Medicine Wheel in treatment; incorporate teachings from the Cycle of Life; and incorporate teachings from the White Bison Wellbriety Movement, which brings culture and tradition into sobriety (Croff et al., 2014). For children, adolescents, and families in the Native American Communities who are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression, Horowitz (2012) suggests the “Blending of Two Worlds Study” to provide a culturally sensitive and supportive treatment environment. It has been suggested for the Northwest tribes in Portland, Oregon in conjunction with the Indian Health Board to design culturally appropriate technology for internet or smart phone usage to target health based interventions for teenagers and young adults as they are avid media users (Horowitz,

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