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Spiritual Values Among Older Native American Adults 

Robin Bonifas, PhD, MSW Assistant Professor. College of Public Programs SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK. Spiritual Values Among Older Native American Adults . Scott Kukar, Delitha Livingston, Laurel Mallett, Veronica Nieto. Native Americans: Background. 560+ federally recognized tribes

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Spiritual Values Among Older Native American Adults 

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  1. Robin Bonifas, PhD, MSW Assistant Professor College of Public Programs SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Spiritual Values Among Older Native American Adults  Scott Kukar, Delitha Livingston, Laurel Mallett, Veronica Nieto

  2. Native Americans: Background • 560+ federally recognized tribes • 200+ languages

  3. Native Americans: Background • Likely to live in rural areas and in poverty • Lower education level than other ethnic groups • Heterogeneous population

  4. Challenges • False positives of cognitive impairment • Discounting background leads to false negatives • Alzheimer’s not treated if not viewed as problematic • Intertribal and intratribal variances

  5. Suggestions • Acknowledge different life experiences including education. • Establish rapport and show respect. • Use bilingual family members as interpreters with caution because they may not provide the most accurate translations due to discomfort in translating sensitive topics..

  6. Nursing Homes • A fraction of federally recognized tribes own and operate nursing homes. • In a study conducted in the Northern Plains, paraprofessionals noted tribal language calmed down “confused” residents. • Staff believed residents became more culturally traditional and monolingual as dementia progressed.

  7. Activities • Pow-wow music and traditional foods are important for elder’s well-being but are not preventive or corrective to behavioral issues.

  8. Assimilation • Among the Anishinaabe tribe, “traditional” is measured by: • being given an Indian name, • fluency in native language • participation in traditional activities • Be aware of federal policies which affected tribes (relocation, reservations, schools).

  9. Navajo • Religious healing forms: • Traditional Navajo ceremonial healing • Native American Church (NAC) • Navajo Christian faith healing • Accommodate ceremonies/practices to life (e.g., surgery on 5th day) • Importance of family

  10. White Mountain Apache • Social workers at nursing homes rely on family to communicate spiritual needs of residents.

  11. White Mountain Apache • Some residents from the tribe have adopted Christian religions.

  12. White Mountain Apache • Staff are made aware of resident’s preference for participating/watching cultural demonstrations.

  13. Tohono O’odham • Time outdoors and privacy are very important.

  14. Tohono O’odham • Traditional music and food are comforting.

  15. Tohono O’odham • Communicating with ancestors is normal. • A traditional healer may be helpful, if resident is distressed about something.

  16. Summary: Cultural and Spiritual Considerations • Interpreters are needed for those who speak limited English. • Being in unfamiliar surroundings can be frightening and connecting with nature can help. • Family inclusion is very important. • Traditional food and music are comforting. • Keep an open mind when Native American clients appear to be “isolating,” “talking to themselves” or eating lightly. • Consult with family and traditional healers whenever possible. • Realize you are all part of the “healing circle”.

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