Native American Families

The United States Bureau of Indian Affairs defines a Native American as an individual with at least one-fourth native blood or whose ancestors are genealogically of Native American heritage. There are multiple terms used to describe Native Americans, including natives and American Indians. Different terms are used in different parts of North and South America, but this entry focuses on Native Americans in the United States. Native Americans are one of the most marginalized cultural groups in the United States, and it is important for marital, couples, and family counselors to be sensitive to the needs of marginalized groups. Although Native Americans have a high incidence of alcoholism, suicide, high school dropout, and unemployment, they are an underserved population in the field of mental health. ...