Native and Indigenous Communities

Native and Indigenous people come from diverse cultural groups and histories. The term can be used to encompass a range of native groups living in the United States, including but not limited to Native Americans, Indigenous groups from Latin and South America, Native Alaskans, Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and the First Nations peoples of Canada. In the 2010 Census, 5.2 million people reported Native American or Alaskan heritage.

Resources:

Austin Library

Native American Resource Guide PDF

Description: This PDF outlines the various materials Austin Library has related to Native American culture and history. The collection includes archives, periodicals, audio, and books.

HSRA Database on Native American Health Issues and Barriers

Complete List of All Resources Here

Description: This database includes a wide collection of succinct study summaries on needs of different minority groups and their barriers in access to health care.

Useful Resources Include:

Cultural Competency Manual from Virginia Department of Education

Access Manual Here

Description: This 200-page manual encompasses all the major components of cultural competency. This is ideal material for gaining expertise in the field and developing your own training course on cultural competency as an organizer. The manual contains specific subsections on the nomenclature, demographics, social and educational issues, and values of Native American and Indigenous communities.

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Working with American Indian Families

Description: The Child Welfare Information Gateway offers resources and publications to help strengthen families and protect children. The diverse populations and communities page offers information for working with Native American families for child welfare workers.

BE SAFE: A Cultural Competency Model for Native and Indigenous Communities

Click Here for Access to PDF Manual

Description: This guide tackles barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment for Native and Indigenous people that can be more broadly applied to understanding healthcare access disparities. Specific sections include “Barriers to Care”, “Ethics”, “Sensitivity of the Provider”, “Assessment, Facts”, and “Encounters.” Ways in which an understanding of these topics can improve provider’s services to this minority group are discussed.

Services:

Great Promise for American Indians

Main Page

Description: Great Promise for American Indians preserves Native culture, heritage, and traditions. The organization also supports health and education needs for this community. Great Promise for American Indians collaborates with other local groups each year on the Austin Powwow and Texas American Indian Heritage Day. The group also sponsors Red Voices, which brings American Indian culture and history into local schools.