Native American Genocide Research Paper

Words: 1801
Pages: 8

Introduction A professor Thomas E. Keefe from the Rocky Mountain College describes the Native American Genocide as a ''systematic dehumanization of Native Americans and the destruction of Native American cultural identity'' (Keefe 1). United States Army officer Nelson A. Miles had gathered his own experiences from the American Indian wars to convey an outcome and a takeaway for future generations. He claims that ''If we consider the cause of this feeling we might more readily understand the result. ''(Miles 20). This means that one of the ways to help Native Americans gain vitality again is to try and dive deep into their culture and experiences. Miles' insight is valuable due to its authenticity stemming from his firsthand personal experiences, …show more content…
This paper will propose measures and solutions that could make the process of cultural revitalization and healing more effective for Native Americans. The key to successfully supporting the healing process is the incorporation of three subjects: Traditional healing practices rooted in indigenous knowledge and tradition, community healing and therapies, and lastly the revitalization and appreciation of the Native American culture. By employing indigenous voices and cultural practices, lasting community resilience can be achieved. Native American vs. Western Psychology Traditional healing practices, rooted in indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions, offer management techniques for the intergenerational trauma experienced by Native American communities. These techniques promote healing and resilience across spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of this ethnic group's trauma. In contrast, western medicine is not ''sufficient to provide a future for and heal'' Native American survivors (Duran 68). To compare the Western and Native American points of view, the book The Trauma of History, created with Marie Yellow Horse Brave Heart, is a Native American professor focusing on healing strategies for Native Americans. To effectively compare the two different medical approaches, the native American Epistemology should be studied. Studies of Epistemology are crucial for understanding the philosophy of Native Americans, in order to heal their wounds. Professor Simmard Smith defines epistemology as a ''study of knowing and knowledge'', as well as the related concepts of ''justification, belief, and evidence''. (Sullivan- Clarke 70) Many programs that are currently providing support to Native Americans use epistemology as ''the root metaphor for theoretical and clinical interventions'' (Duran 70). With