Native American Children, Religion and Spirituality

[Page 1133]In Native American culture, spirituality is defined as immersing oneself in an understanding of the unknown world, including the living and nonliving life forms on Earth, which, most important, also places oneself into a union with a higher being and one’s surroundings. Spirituality practiced within religious institutions’ beliefs and storytelling is also recognized within Native American temples and artwork. Religion in a broader sense is a collective gathering to acknowledge and celebrate spirituality. Native American children were exposed to their tribes’ religious practices of value and oral tradition, and many were baptized by a cultural leader. This entry discusses the conflicting spiritual and religious practices and customs that Native American children experience.