Tribal STAR is a program of the Academy for Professional Excellence at San Diego State University School of Social Work

History and Purpose of Tribal STAR Who we are and where we are from

Landscape of California CA has the largest Native American population in the nation (333,511 / 2000 Census, US Census Bureau / CA is the State with the largest number of foster youth 35% of Tribal youth experience out of home placement (more than any other racial group)

How might U.S. history affect the behavior of an ethnic group as distinct as American Indians?

Remarks of Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Department of the Interior at the Ceremony Acknowledging the 175th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Bureau of Indian Affairs September 8, 2000 An Apology

In 2001, the Child Welfare League of America acknowledged wrongful involvement in the 1950’s/1960’s effort to facilitate the adoption of Indian children into White homes for the purpose of “saving” these children from their own culture and language.

What are some of the stereotypes of American Indians? ~ What are some stereotypes American Indians have toward non-Indians?

Wakeem’s Story How would history and culture play a role when developing case plans for Wakeem? What would be the challenges and possible solutions to ensuring successful outcomes for Wakeem?

What communication techniques and behaviors are needed to cultivate trusting relationships with Tribal clients?

Traditional Indian Values vs. All American Mainstream Values Clan/communal emphasisIndividual Emphasis SharingWinning Present-time orientationFuture Orientation SpiritualisticMaterialistic Time non-awarenessTime awareness Harmony with natureConquest of nature PassiveAggressive Giving/spendingAcquiring/saving Appreciates/honors silenceAvoids silence Respect of other religionsConverting/proselytizing (Source: The Indian Child Welfare Act, Handbook by Rose-Margaret Orrantia; Cultural Awareness; the Indian Perspective, Marilyn Robinson).

Recommendations for Workers Build on young peoples’ connection to all living entities Encourage and openly discuss their spiritual development Make use of the outdoors. Recognize the vital role played by elders, aunts, uncles, and other extended family, blood-clan-moiety involvement and encourage their participation in these groups’ activities.

Continued… Encourage generosity of spirit. Incorporate more cooperative learning activities. Respect their individualism. Allow for a longer response time. Be more flexible with timelines. Respect that learning can also occur through listening and in silence. (Source: Munsell, G Tribal Approaches to Transition: The John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, NRCYS).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING TRIBAL RELATIONSHIPS Creativity –unique welfare and Social issues combined with a distinct lack of precedent in collaboration demand a high amount of creativity in each stage of relationship development Patience- introduction is extremely important. It is also important to allow time for broad introductions of many Tribal members Preparation and Planning – research the particular Tribes and Tribal cultures in a respectful way, knowing Tribal leaders names, governing structures. Respect – sincere respect. It is crucial to be aware of the “Head of State” status that the Chief or Governor of the Tribe has. Native American women, people, and Tribes are the experts on their own lives. The goal is “to listen, understand, and learn to help.”

Who to Contact First? Personal phone call – then a letter and to the nearest ICWA rep or Tribal contact. Questions: Is there anyone in the community that has a special interest in the needs of tribal foster youth? Who do people go to for advice in working with tribal foster youth and young adults? Who at the health center is working with ICWA and can assist identifying tribal youth eligible for IL services? Who should I contact at the tribal council about our project and what is the best way to approach them? Develop contacts and become familiar with your local tribe. You may give a presentation at the local tribal council meeting. Be brief and keep tribal youth at the center of your presentation. Solicit support, input and guidance.

What If I’m NOT Native? Learn as much as you can about the local tribe(s), especially their history and relationship with federal and state programs. Take the time to learn about the key tribal organizations. Show that you are committed to being part of the community: attend community functions (fiestas, pow wows, cultural gatherings, health fairs, etc.).

“Humankind has not woven the Web of Life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” -Chief Seattle-