Family-Based Programs for Native American and Indigenous Communities
Publication Date
1-1-2026
Document Type
Contribution to a Book
Publication Title
Preventing Child Abuse Family Based Programs to Improve Resiliencies and Address Substance Use
DOI
10.1093/oso/9780197629604.003.0014
First Page
161
Last Page
167
Abstract
“Family-Based Programs for Native American and Indigenous Communities” addresses the high prevalence of substance use problems, domestic violence, and mental health disorders—effects of the “soul wound” resulting from historical trauma and kept alive by forced family breakup, poverty, theft of land, and cultural erasure. Native American communities are discovering the healing power of a return to their traditional culture and indigenous practices, using cultural resiliencies from traditional healing, ritual, and spiritual renewal. Curricula and practices of family-based programs include these cultural components, such as those based on the Talking Circle and the revival of communal spaces for ritual and relationship building. Legacy family skills programs have been adapted for Native Americans after extensive input from the community and tribal leaders.
Keywords
adolescents, community, indigenous peoples, mental health, Native Americans, ritual, substance use, suicide prevention, traditional healing, Wellbriety
Department
Social Work
Recommended Citation
Edward Cohen and Bonnie Lockhart-Ochoa. "Family-Based Programs for Native American and Indigenous Communities" Preventing Child Abuse Family Based Programs to Improve Resiliencies and Address Substance Use (2026): 161-167. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197629604.003.0014
