Learning from Diverse Indigenous Communities: Centering Culture to Support Child and Family Wellbeing

The Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) works in partnership with communities across the country to support the health and well-being of children and families. In the blog series, Learning from Diverse Indigenous Communities: Centering Culture to Support Child and Family Wellbeing, we take a closer look at some of the efforts underway in our partnership with Native and Tribal communities and organizations across the country. These articles showcase a small window into the diversity, commitment, and creativity in the work Tribes and Pueblos are leading to support children and families. There are important lessons in this work that should be considered when working with families across the country to better support young children’s health and development, to develop strategies for community-based supports to advance health and healing, and to prevent the removal of children from their homes and communities by child welfare systems.  

At CSSP, we collaborate with partners across the country to better understand and amplify the strengths, beauty, and challenges in Native and Tribal communities, and to work in partnership to support children and families. As we work in collaboration and alliance with Native American communities, we recognize that there have been thousands of years of traditional and cultural approaches to what we now call early care and education, systems and community building, child development, and governance, among many others. In response to targeted genocide, theft of their homelands, and ongoing discrimination, Native, Tribal, and other Indigenous peoples, nations, and communities have strengthened and maintained the traditional approaches that have helped their families and communities persevere. 

A note on language: 

It is essential to recognize the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and languages across the Western Hemisphere. When teaching about a specific tribe or nation, taking the time to learn and use the correct terms preferred by that community helps avoid stereotypes and promotes cultural awareness and respect. The word Native is commonly used, both formally and informally, to refer to Indigenous peoples in the United States (including Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives). It may also be used more broadly in phrases such as Native peoples, Native lands, or Native traditions. American Indian individuals and communities describe their identities and homelands in a variety of ways, and many tribal groups officially include the word nation in their names. Pueblos, Pueblo peoples, or Puebloans are American Indians and/or Native Americans. There are 19 Pueblo tribes in New Mexico, and each Pueblo is a sovereign nation. Indigenous refers to people who are the original, earliest-known inhabitants of a region or are its descendants. 

Perspectives on terminology can vary not only across communities but also among individuals within the same community. CSSP uses language that reflects and respects the preferences of the communities who inform our work and with whom we work. 

Resources: 

Terminology Style Guide – Native Governance Center 

NAJA_Reporting_and_Indigenous_Terminology_Guide.pdf 

The Impact of Words and Tips for Using Appropriate Terminology | Native Knowledge 360°