LEARNING FROM THE PAST SO THAT THE PEOPLE MAY LIVE: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY ON FEDERAL POLICIES AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG NATIVE AMERICANS

Eight enrolled members of various Native tribes interviewed person- to-person, and over the phone and audio recorded, with the use of a semi-structured interview that focused on an overarching research question on what federal policies have shaped the mental health among Native members. Before any interviews were conducted, each participant received information about the research study. After individual interviews were completed, each participant recommended changes in procedure, possible research endeavors for the future, and possible individuals to interview. During the interviews, each participant provided responses that include biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors influenced by federal policies implemented on this population. These results support the Biopsychosocial model and the critical indigenous theory. The findings of the study centered around three overarching themes that related to the participants experiences. The findings focused around the themes of trauma testament, trauma response, and resiliency