U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Invited Commentary: Fostering Resilience Among Native American Youth Through Therapeutic Intervention

NCJ Number
245782
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2014 Pages: 470-490
Author(s)
Michael Tlanusta Garrett; Mark Parrish; Cyrus Williams; Lisa Grayshield; Tarrell Awe Agahe Portman; Edil Torres Rivera; Elizabeth Maynard
Date Published
March 2014
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article offers a comprehensive overview and understanding of the needs of Native American Youth for researchers, educators, and practitioners based on current research and practice.
Abstract
Strengths and protective factors are discussed in terms of Native strengths in context, the strengths and resilience of Native ways, Indigenous ways of knowing, the relationship between cultural identity and the tribal nation, the importance of family, the roles of the wisdom keepers, spiritual ways, and communication styles. Contextual influences are explored in terms of the relationship between history and healing from intergenerational grief and trauma, the influence of acculturation, as well as current social, economic, and political issues that affect Native youth. Implications for research and therapeutic intervention are explored in terms of healing from historical trauma and oppression. The authors offer an overview of common presenting issues and recommendations, practical tribally-specific interventions, and reflections on what it means to work from a social justice and client/community advocacy perspective with a focus on providing effective therapeutic, culturally-based interventions with Native children and adolescents that promote resilience and foster positive development with this population. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.