Cultural Group: Native American
History
- Native Americans are the indigenous people.
- They occupied America before Columbus’ landing.
- 10 million Native Americans lived there (Rutherford, 2017).
- Americans despised the Europeans seeing greed.
- European colonization changed Native Americans.
Values and Worldview
- Human-nature balance presence in relationships.
- The concept of “Mother Earth” (Barreiro, 2016).
- Many truths existence, depending on experience.
- Relation between everything in the world.
- Role of exchange in human relationships.
Language and Communication Patterns
- 70% speak English at home (Lee, 2014).
- 15% speak Native North American languages (Lee, 2014).
- A restrained communication style is preferred.
- Indirectness usually helps to refuse statements.
- Eye contact can violate personal space.
Art and Other Expressive Forms
- No clear definition of art exists.
- Artists are better at something people.
- Works of art arouse emotional responses.
- Literature is a collective cultural memory.
- The sculpture is used to share views.
Norms and Rules
- The virtue of patience to use time.
- With respect to older adults and history.
- Staying out of others’ affairs.
- Work as a purpose of life.
- Listening is better than talking.
Lifestyle Characteristics
- A sense of belonging to groups.
- The role of silence in survival.
- Caution to unfamiliar people and things.
- Sincerity and friendliness in human relationships.
- Fears to discover new alternatives.
Relationship Patterns and Common Rituals
- Spirituality as a part of life.
- Rituals as a natural component.
- Religious discussions in everyday curriculum.
- Spiritual healing and Shaman’s role.
- Pow wows, death ceremonies, corn festivals.
Assimilation/Marginalization from Mainstream Society
- The impact of the European invasion.
- Tension and negative emotions during contact.
- Evident differences between the societies.
- Enslavement at legal and religious levels (Oberg, 2018).
- Induced interactions with African Americans.
Health Behaviors and Practices
- Native Americans prefer living on reservations.
- Few hospitals are in rural areas.
- Obesity, suicide, and mental health problems occur.
- 72 years is the life expectancy.
- Tobacco and physical inactivity threaten health (Oberg, 2018).
Socio-Cultural Group: Navajo Heritage
History
- Navajo occupied Arizona and New Mexico (“Navajo history,” n.d.).
- Colorado is its territorial center.
- Navajo means “the people” (Oberg, 2018).
- The first contact was in 1581 (“Navajo history,” n.d.).
- Navajo experienced conflicts with settlers.
Values and Worldview
- A strong balance of four values.
- Value of life: live in harmony.
- Value of work: work with passion.
- Value of human relations: clan systems.
- Value of respect: respect for everything.
Language and Communication Patterns
- Navajo is a commonly spoken language (Lee, 2014).
- It is related to the Apache.
- Non-verbal communication is highly appreciated.
- Long periods of silence is normal.
- Attentive listening skills are developed.
Art and Other Expressive Forms
- Silversmithing is an integral art form.
- Music and dance penetrate everyday life.
- Navajo are famous for weaving traditions.
- Navajo established sand painting basics.
- The Holy People can reach art.
Norms and Rules
- The rule of silence is serious.
- The role of the family is integral.
- The cycle is repeated every day.
- Every cycle is a new lesson.
- Keeping the human-nature balance is important.
Lifestyle Characteristics
- Navajo are aggressive and intelligent.
- Men can defend the land.
- Women care for children and crops.
- Everyone should fulfill certain duties.
- Family respect and support are promoted.
Relationship Patterns and Common Rituals
- Restoration of the human through silence.
- The balance between men and women.
- Navajo has more than 50 ceremonies.
- Rain and corn are the main subjects.
- Four worlds of Navajo life.
Assimilation/Marginalization from Mainstream Society
- The US government spent centuries.
- Children had to study English.
- Christianity had to be practiced.
- No jobs were in reservations.
- People left homes to improve their lives.
Health Behaviors and Practices
- Health concepts are interrelated with religion.
- Family decisions about a health matter.
- Herbal medicine is frequently practiced.
- The Healer uses touching to restore.
- Religion is the core of medicine.
Both Groups
Common Characteristics and Distinguishing Traits
Similarities
- Religion plays an important role.
- Healing depends on the nature-human balance.
- Keeping silent is an integral rule.
Differences
- One healing man’s power in Navajo.
- Hunter-gatherer lifestyle in Native Americans.
Differential Approaches for Health Care Professionals
- Translation of all medical terms.
- With respect to their herbal medicine preferences.
- Time to make common family decisions.
- Eye contact avoidance but hand touching.
- No press for patient education.
References
Barreiro J. (2016). Call to consciousness on the fate of mother earth: Global warming and climate change. In S. Lobo, S. Talbot, & T. M. Carlston (Eds.), Native American voices: A reader (3rd ed.) (pp. 483-485). New York, NY: Routledge.
Lee, T. H. (2014). 7 most popular Native American languages in U.S.
Navajo history. (n.d.). Web.
Oberg, M. L. (2018). Native America: A history (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Rutherford, A. (2017). A new history of the first peoples in the Americas. The Atlantic.