Hurst, S., & Laird, J. (2006). Understanding American Indian Youth Violence and Prevention. In N. G. Guerra & E. P. Smith (Eds.), Preventing youth violence in a multicultural society (pp. 149-167). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/11380-006
This chapter reports startling statistics about prevalence of youth violence and associated problems that affect American Indian youth living in cities and on reservations. Not only are American Indian youth and families exposed to structural disadvantage and difficult living conditions, but they have experienced historical trauma in the form of organized oppression and isolation from mainstream "White" society that contributes to their unique experience as ethnic minorities in the United States. Issues of identity and connectedness to mainstream society loom large. For this reason, violence prevention and youth development programs must integrate and build on the strengths of native culture. As an example, the authors discuss the Tribal Youth Program that is designed to empower American Indian communities to determine the resolution of their social problems, using both the spiritual and cultural aspect of their specific Native traditions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)