RESILIENCE THROUGH THE WORLDVIEW OF URBAN AMERICAN INDIAN ELDERS: COMMUNITY TO INDIVIDUAL LEVEL FACTORS FOR STRENGTHENING FAMILY AND PARENTING PRACTICES

Carmella Kahn-Thornbrugh

Agnes Attakai

Kerstin Reinschmidt

Shannon Whitewater

Tara Chico

Nicolette Teufel-Shone

Background

Role of American Indian (AI) elders Keepers and transmitters of knowledge (Garrett et al., 2014) Endured many adversities (Grandbois & Sanders, 2009) Life stories hold life lessons and foundational knowledge to

better understand resilience

Youth in today’s society Disconnect between elders and youth (Wexler, 2011) Urban AI youth face greater challenges connecting with elders

(Stumblingbear-Riddle, 2012) Previous research acknowledges that ties to culture and other

variables (i.e. social support) may be protective and lead to resilient outcomes for positive youth development (LaFromboise et al., 2006; Wexler, 2011)

Protective intergenerational strategies

Spirituality Tribal identity Elders Ceremonies and rituals Humor Oral tradition Family Support networks

(HeavyRunner and Morris, 1997)

What protective strategies can elders offer to enhance resilience factors for parenting among urban American Indian families?

Methods: Literature review

(1) Peer-reviewed English based articles in PubMed

(2) Published from January 1, 1980 to November 15, 2014

(3) AIAN and Hawaiian elders as the target population

(4) Non-clinical based (5) Key words and terms for American

Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Resilience (6) 171 articles identified. Ten articles were

included

Key words and terms used in literature review

Results: Literature review

Individual Sacredness of childrenSense of belonging and

identitySpiritualityCulture: values and

expectationsResponsibility/

accountabilityAttain

education/employment

Results: Literature review

Family Elders as wisdom keepers

Intergenerational relationships Language/stories/wisdom Protectors/mentors/teachers/support

givers Ancestral survival through generations Overcome stereotypes and hostile groups

Kin networks Family/community/collective

connectedness Parenting skills

Involvement, confidence, supervision, positive parenting, discipline

Health: Family centered models

Results: Literature review

Community Resources

Indigenous Wellness Centers, cultural/language immersion school, programs to promote youth development and resilience

Traditions, customs, activities

Health services—take into consideration historical markers and resiliency factors

Methods: Pilot research project

Documenting and Promoting Resilience in Urban American Indians (Co-PIs: Agnes Attakai, Kerstin Reinschmidt)

CBPR approach; partnership with Tucson Indian Center

Defining resilience from the perspective of urban American Indian elders.

Qualitative methods: focus groups and individual interviews with 13 urban American Indian elders

Utilized thematic analysis Digital stories and a curriculum for a youth

program

Results: Pilot Research Project

Elder’s worldview of resilience Individual—personal

responsibility (bounce back, don’t give up)

Family—healing families, strength, behind us, how strong our ancestors were “they can do it, I can do it”

Community—connection with community, community cultural activities, language

Results: Pilot Research Project

Revealed various levels of resilience factors for parenting

Individual-Being strong-Being responsible-Practicing spirituality-Participate/volunteer-Identity/roots/history-Activities -Education-Connection with elders

Results: Pilot Research Project

Revealed various levels of resilience factors for parenting

Individual-Being strong-Being responsible-Practicing spirituality-Participate/volunteer-Identity/roots/history-activities -education-connection with elders

Growing up in hard conditions (i.e. poverty) taught values of working hard, staying in school, furthering education, and getting a job

Results: Pilot Research Project

Family-Teach younger generation-Positive family relationships-Family members as role models-Safe environment for kids

Results: Pilot Research ProjectFamily-Teach younger generation-Positive family relationships-Family members as role models-Safe environment for kids

Ancestors as role models (how to do things, being strong, being healthy, being mentally sharp, being an inspiration); elders as role models

Results: Pilot Research Project

Community-Culture, language, traditions, Sharing stories-Traditional use of land (i.e. gardening, take care of mother earth)-Tucson Indian Center and other community resources (i.e. school)

Results: Pilot Research Project

Community-Culture, language, traditions, Sharing stories-Traditional use of land (i.e. gardening, take care of mother earth)-Tucson Indian Center and other community resources (i.e. school)

Farming with grandparents; knowing traditional roles; know history

Discussion

Literature search and qualitative data from elder’s narratives helped identify key resiliency factors uniquely specific for urban AI parenting practices Cultural based solutions at all levels Strengths in knowing history and roots

Adults and elders views on culture were different from youth

Oppressive policies have disrupted the relationship between youth, parents, and elders

Recommendations

Strategies for enhancing resilience factors for parenting intergenerational communication (stories about

historical trauma and elder resilience) Teach youth how culture can be a sustaining force and

how it is linked to strengths (personal to collective) to overcome challenges

Develop local community-based solutions Urban centers—parenting curriculum, youth

curriculum Identify family strengths Communication with child Guiding behavior effectively (bridge those gaps)

Thank youCarmella Kahn-Thornbrughckahn@email.arizona.edu

This work was supported by the Center for American Indian Resilience (CAIR) a NIH-NIMHD P20 Exploratory

Center of Excellence (1P20MD006872) awarded to Northern Arizona University with subcontracts to

University of Arizona and Dine College

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