The purpose of this study was to ascertain the current status of healthcare delivery on American Indian reservations. In particular, the study sought to determine if the Indian Health Service was actually meeting its goals in delivering healthcare to American Indians, and if not, were there alternatives to public medicine for healthcare? The Indian Health Service has not met its own goals in delivering healthcare, and private medicine in the form of private practicing physicians and other medical personnel have filled the void left by the Indian Health Service. The study also discusses the possibility of private medicine being the only realistic alternative in the future for Indian healthcare delivery.

The purpose of this study is to investigate in what ways cultural value differences between Alaskan Native clients and non-Native health professionals affect the communicating of "wellness" concepts. Specifically, this study focuses on possible difference in the cultural value orientation of "Man's Relationship to Health."

The purpose of this participatory action research study was to gain an awareness of the meanings of health for urban First Nations grandmothers, and how they promote it in their families and communities. Active participation of 7 urban First Nations grandmothers in the research process involved 4 group and 1 individual interview. Meanings of health included maintaining balance in all areas of life; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Control imposed through the residential schools resulted in secrets kept, yet the survival and resiliency of the grandmothers were identified as part of being healthy. Personal health was linked with the health of their families and communities, and an awareness of living in two cultures vital in the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Relationships with grandchildren were catalysts for change, and the grandmothers described working to “turn it around” throughout their challenges in health and life, as one strategy for health promotion. / ix, 146 leaves ; 29 cm

The purpose of this study is to examine what the elderly of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reported as their health and social service needs in the Tribal Health and Social Service Needs Assessment. It will also review the elderly's concerns and those of the general population in regards to future planning of services for the elders.

Objectives: This study documented events contributing to historical trauma among American Indian mission boarding school survivors, described residual effects of that trauma, and verified the Dream Catcher-Medicine Wheel model as a culturally appropriate tool that enhanced storytelling. Research Design and Methods: Nine women from two Upper Plains tribes were located through snowball sampling and participant referrals. A descriptive exploratory qualitative approach facilitated them in relating their survival stories. Seven were tape-recorded and two were hand-written on the Dream Catcher-Medicine Wheel, a model specifically designed for this study; this, combined with traditional spiritual grounding ceremonies, enhanced perspective for researcher and participants alike. Data Analysis: Liehr and Smith's (2008) Story Theory guided the methodology in the data gathering and analysis process using the Dream Catcher-Medicine Wheel combined with taped and written storytelling sessions. Major themes were categorized and supported with interview quotes through inductive analysis of the two research questions: What were the health challenges faced by survivors of American Indian mission boarding schools over time?, and, How have American Indian mission boarding school survivors resolved the health challenges they have faced over time? The first theme, subdivided into Breaking and Silencing of Spirit, examined physical, mental, and sexual abuse. The second theme, Survival of Spirit, examined relationships/parenting, coping/substance abuse, and spirituality. Findings: The seven dimensions described in Lowe and Struthers' (2001) Nursing in Native American Culture Conceptual Framework provided the value structure used for interpretation of findings. Implications for practice and research were related to the seven dimensions as culturally appropriate parameters for nursing. / Data analysis identified disturbing themes; unanticipated candor emerged, possibly owing to the fact that the researcher is a historical trauma survivor. Despite having survived historical trauma through the survival of the spirit, each participant struggles to resolve health challenges to this day. Unable to voice mission boarding school experiences for most of their adult lives, each affirmed the rediscovery of Native spirituality empowering; all expressed appreciation for traditional methods woven into storytelling sessions, particularly the Dream Catcher-Medicine Wheel, and all indicated they experienced release and healing through telling their stories. Key words: American Indian; historical trauma; nursing; boarding school; Dream Catcher-Medicine Wheel. / by Barbara K. Charbonneau-Dahlen. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2010. Mode of access: World Wide Web.