1	CULTURAL AWARENESS & NATIVE AMERICAN BELIEFS AND PRACTICES CCCS, Inc.
2	Pre-Test What is culture? What is discrimination? What is cultural competence? What are values? How many federally recognized tribes are there in Montana? How many federally non-recognized tribes are there in Montana? What are 3 sacred objects important to Native American culture? What are 2 events that occur as part of a ceremonial sweat?
3	Objectives Define culture, values, prejudice, stereotype, discrimination, and cultural competency. Evaluate the impact of our own attitudes and beliefs on the workplace. Explain the unity of culture and religion in the Native American experience. Name 5 of the sacred objects important to Native American Worship. Name the 2 activities that take place during a Native American Pipe Ceremony. List 4 of the events that occur in a Native American Sweat. Name 5 materials needed in the building and use of a sweat lodge. Identify how the following are viewed differently in European and Native American culture and indicate the difference in values: medicine, relations, religious fasting, pow wow, and dance.
4	Culture The learned, shared and transmitted social activities of a group, the human-made part of the environment that satisfies all basic needs for survival and adaptation to the environment. The acquired knowledge that people use to interpret experience and to generate social behavior.
5	Values General ideas about what is good or bad, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable.
6	Prejudice An attitude toward something or someone whereby one pre-judges the other, usually negatively.
7	Stereotype An exaggerated, fixed and rigid belief consisting of unfounded generalizations of what people are like.
8	Discrimination To make distinctions in treatment, to show partiality in favor of or prejudice against specific individuals or groups.
9	Cultural Competence Continuum
10	Cultural Ignorance Lack of knowledge, curiosity and/or acceptance of differences What might this look like at the facility? What problems could develop from cultural ignorance?
11	Cultural Awareness The knowledge of the existence of other cultures and the emerging ability to consider the legitimacy of other cultures What might this look like at the facility?
12	Cultural Sensitivity The willingness to fully respect and accept the differences of others What might this look like at the facility?
13	Cultural Understanding Developed through consistent attempts to observe, explore and learn about other cultures What are some ways to develop cultural understanding?
14	Cultural Competence Achieved with an understanding of the dynamics of cultural differences, specific knowledge about a variety of cultures and the ability to adapt issues of diversity to real world situations thus being able to function smoothly within another culture. Cultural competence is generally achievable only if immersed in another culture for an extended period of time.
15	Native American State Populations
16	Montana Population Facts Of the approximately 909,453 Montana citizens, 61,514 (7%) consider themselves Native American. Native American comprise the largest minority group in Montana. 29% of the youth placed in Montana secure juvenile correctional facilities are Native Americans.
17	Native American Tribal Statistics There are approximately 300 federally-recognized tribes in the 48 contiguous states. There are approximately 200 federally-recognized tribes in Alaska. There are another 245 federally-non-recognized tribes in the United States. Montana has 7 federally-recognized tribes. Montana also has two (2) federally-non-recognized tribes. Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa of Montana, state recognized; Swan Creek & Black River Chippewa
18	Montana Tribes
19	Disclaimer One size does not fit all when it comes to Native American culture and beliefs. Be cautious not to assume. Understand tribal differences.
20	Native American Theology Organic and dynamic. No distinction between spiritual and cultural life. Spirituality is a way of life—practiced 24 hours each day. No celebrations, only ceremonies. No written doctrine. Supervised by elder. Teachings are passed verbally. Spirituality through symbols.
21	Creator Belief in a Supreme Being. Great Spirit Great Mystery Creator Grandfather Supreme being is always caring and willing to listen.
22	Nature Deep respect for all things in nature—animal, plant and mineral life, all parts of Mother Earth. Spiritual ceremonies, therefore, tend to be celebrated outdoors in contact with Mother Earth.
23	Reverence Pipe and Eagle Feather are highly revered. Should ordinarily be handled only by inmate pipe holder, a Spiritual Leader, or designated person. Items that Native Americans associate with their spirituality should be approached with sensitivity and respect by staff.
24	Spiritual/Cultural Cultural and spiritual are inseparable. Statements such as wearing long hair, headbands, certain items of clothing, and the practice of certain arts (beadwork, etc.) are as much statements of spirituality as they are expressions of culture. Example: During a time of mourning, a Native American may cut his/her hair and request that it be sent home or buried outside the facility.
25	Spiritual Leadership Varies from tribe to tribe. Could be elected or inherited. No religious hierarchy. Native American religious is very much an individual event—leaders guide not dictate belief or doctrine.
26	Natural Objects Stones, shells, feathers, bones, claws, and teeth have major roles in Native American spiritual practice because they are reminders of important qualities or principles and serve as reservoirs of spiritual power. Specific objects that might be requested by individuals will vary based on personal tradition or vision. Religious articles carried by an elder should not be touched by others. Religious articles should be inspected visually for security reasons. Native American prohibit women from being near a pipe, Sweat Lodge, or other object during menstruation because they believe this “energy” cancels the power of sacred objects.
27	Medicine Bag Many Native Americans carry, wear, and maintain a medicine bag. Contains natural objects such as stones, animal parts, or herbs. Belief is that these objects possess a spirit. Medicine bag becomes the wearers invocation of the Creator to continually be with and watch over him/her. The medicine bag symbolizes a personal relationship between the Creator and wearer. A staff member may direct a Native American to open his/her medicine bag. The contents of the medicine bag should not be touched by a staff member if at all possible.
28	Herbs Sage Reminds the Native American of the hard, difficult times Great Spirit has led them through. Sweet Grass Evokes the good times that Great Spirit has given. Purifies the body so nothing unclean participates in ceremonies. Cedar Cleansing, blessing, purification. Tobacco Offering and praying. Should not be wasted.
29	Tobacco Ties Small pieces of cloth containing tobacco and symbolizing prayers. Often tied to the lodge pole by the altar in front of the Sweat Lodge or carried on the person.
30	Sacred Pipe Cornerstone of spiritual teachings of most Native American tribes. When bowl and stem are joined together the pipe should be accorded a great deal of respect. Includes: pipe bowl, a stem of wood, and other objects such as feathers, etc. Ceremony includes: joining of the pipe and stem, filling and purifying the pipe, and turning of the pipe in a 360 circle as it is passed, accompanied by the prayer, “for all my relations.”
31	Feathers All birds and feathers are sacred. Eagle holds a special place. Eagle symbolizes power, strength, healing, and loyalty. Eagle feathers cannot be purchased for individual use but can only be awarded or given by another. Usually kept wrapped in a piece of leather or other material.
32	Sacred Circle The circle is a sacred symbol to the Native Americans. Prayers are always offered in a circle. Represents the limits of the people and the nation and the unity of all creation and meaning. Four directions also important: East (yellow) is the location of the spirit of enlightenment, guidance, and direction. South (black) is the place of the spirit of growth. West (red) is the doorway one goes through when leaving this world and returning to the spirit world. North (White) is the location of the spirit of healing and reconciliation.
33	Headband Headband completes and symbolizes the circle for the wearer. It is believed to maintain oneness with order, conveying clear and respectful thinking. Headband color can also have meaning: Blue—sky or diety. Red—power or strength. Green—Mother Earth. Yellow—corn pollen road. Black—darkness or infinity.
34	Drum Seen as the heartbeat of both the earth and the Native American Nation. Brings people together and reunites in spirit and purpose. There is one drum used for healing sweats and a larger size drum used in ceremonies.
35	Rattles In healing ceremonies, rattles are shaken to call the spirit of life which takes care of human beings. It is also used in the Sweat Lodge ceremony when the elder invites the spirits of the four directions to come in and help participants who are seeking guidance.
36	Pow Wow Day of traditional dancing, speaking, and praying in word, song, and music for all that lives. Symbolizes the renewal of unity in the Spirit.
37	Fasting Special form of prayer guided by an elder who provide the necessary ceremonial setting and conditions. Fasting involves total renunciation of food and water for a period of days determined by the one who is fasting.
38	Sacred Sweat Lodge Many lodges are for communal prayer purposes and others are for personal healing. To enter the Lodge is to return to the womb of Mother Earth for purification, strength, guidance, and for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. Typically there are four periods or rounds of prayer. Each period ends with a prayer or shout. Everything is in the Sweat Lodge is ceremonial and sacred, from the construction of the Lodge and the fire to the disposal of the ashes.
39	The Sacred Sweat Lodge, cont. The lodge itself is usually a dome-shaped structure made of willow, which is lashed together with twine or bark. The structure is then covered with tarpaulin, blankets, or canvas to make it light-proof. As a receptacle for rocks, a small pit is dug in the center. The doorway may face East or West depending on the traditions of the local tribe.
40	The Sacred Sweat Lodge, cont. Outside the lodge, a small mound may be built as an altar. Prayer symbols and rocks arranged in a medicine wheel may be place don the altar. Beyond the altar is a fire pit for heating the rocks. Rocks are brought into the lodge at the beginning of each round. Water is sprinkled on the hot rocks, producing steam and heat.
41	The Sacred Sweat Lodge, cont. The Area The area is approximately 40 feet by 20 feet. Time Requirements Time should be allocated for the fire to be started, the rocks heated, and the ceremony to be conducted, usually 3-4 hours. Frequency Depends on the facility. Dimension of the Lodge Usually 7-12 in diameter and 4-5 feet high. Rocks Approximately 30-40 rocks. Lava rocks are preferred. Wood Sufficient for the heating of rocks. Willows At least 25-30 willow branches are needed to construct the lodge.
42	Cultural Comparisons Medicine Anglo: synthetic, disease model, prescribed by doctor. Native American: natural, herbal, with the power to harm or bless. Relations Anglo: immediate family. Native American: related to all things in nature. Fasting Anglo: seldom done. Native American: spiritual. Long, intense abstinence from food and water. Dancing Anglo: recreational or party activity. Native American: done at spiritual gatherings.
43	Post Test
44	Summary & Questions