Examines the suicide epidemic on Wind River Reservation during August and September 1985, which produced 12 suicide deaths and 88 verifiable attempts or threats, mainly among teenagers and young adults. Describes immediate responses and longterm prevention efforts of the reservation Behavior Health Program, government agencies, and tribal groups.…

Reports on the experiences of 22 service providers with 181 mentally ill reservation American Indians who would have required civil commitment to obtain appropriate psychiatric care. Compares the commitment procedures developed by five tribal governments, and discusses social and legal issues. Contains five references. (SV)

Describes a systematic evaluation of symptom patterns among 86 depressed patients from three American Indian tribal cultures. Concludes that patients from all tribal groups exhibit a core depressive syndrome existing in three distinct, culturally influenced constellations. Contains 21 references and five data tables. (SV)

Hantavirus, caused due to close contact with mice in a dwelling, first emerged in the spring of 1993 on the Navajo Reservation and although it is by no means an Indian disease, there are four times as many cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) among non-Indians. Inadequate rural housing, especially common in western Indian Country,…

Debra Magpie Earling, author of the 2002 novel "Perma Red," does not appear as a named character in her text, which has been designated as a work of fiction. Eighteen years in the making, "Perma Red" is an intricate, intimate expression of self-life narration that is Earling's act of publicly honoring the Aunt Louise she never…

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is an epidemiologic surveillance system that was established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help monitor the prevalence of behaviors that not only influence youth health, but also put youth at risk for the most significant health and social problems that can occur during…

Among 94 Ojibway adolescents, those with a history of delinquency or court adjudication were less likely to spend time with their families and were more likely to report dysfunctional family situations and negative feelings toward family. Recommendations are presented for family support and skills development in reservation communities. (SV)

Since 1974, Paiute, Wasco, and Warm Springs leaders have invested over $850,000 to purchase more than 2,000 artifacts and 2,500 archival photographs and documents for a museum. Addresses the relevance of preserving cultural artifacts, the importance of finding young apprentices to carry on crafts, and the significance of preserving native…

Since 1968, the Yavapai community at Fort McDowell, Arizona, has been threatened with relocation because of proposed dam construction. Severe psychological distress (demoralization) and high use of medical services were found among 79 adults surveyed, for whom relocation was as distressing as a loved one's death. Contains 68 references. (SV)

Reconstructs a picture of aggressive behavior in one tribe's prereservation days and relates it to tribal members' current behavior. Presents a Freudian analysis of the roles of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and casual child-rearing practices in the development of aggression, and discusses behavioral manifestations of suppressed aggression. (SV)

This fact sheet documents the disturbing overrepresentation of status Indian youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems of Ontario (Canada). However, the information represents only the tip of the iceberg. Data relate solely to children and youth whose parents resided on an Indian reserve; who were dealt with by the family court (not…

Traces the development of tribally controlled community colleges on American Indian reservations. Describes the problems of perennially inadequate funding. Discusses culturally appropriate curricula and programs offered at tribal colleges, and their success reflected in the increasing numbers of graduates who pursue higher degrees. (SV)

Four lay health workers on two American Indian reservations were trained to present a diabetes curriculum while coordinating and guiding group discussion in "talking circles"--a culturally appropriate intervention. Facilitator interviews discussed their "calling" and commitment to the work and to Indian people, their journey of…

Traces the history of the Chippewa tribe of Turtle Mountain Reservation, and relates it to Louise Erdrich's fictional depiction of assimilation over four generations. Discusses the French heritage of reservation families; development of Michif, a mixture of Cree and French; and effects of land allotment and BIA schooling. (SV)

Describes cases of child sexual abuse by teachers on the Navajo and Hopi reservations. Discusses culturally appropriate techniques for an investigator to use when interviewing Indian children and the importance of understanding distinctive tribal customs and the cultural context when making judgments about the appropriateness of specific behavior…