Adapting — The Native American Way
Native Americans are an adapting people. This was true before Europeans came to this continent and it is true today. Centuries ago, inherent in the less permanent/more nomadic lifestyle of many Native American tribes was the ability to adapt to nature. In this way, energies were efficiently focused on moving to where resources shifted e.g., either away from inclement weather and/or toward more plentiful sources of food.
Native American Solutions to Native American Struggles
Today, faced with a myriad of difficulties in their community, Native Americans have had successes in efforts to adapt. For example, in Minneapolis, during Gordon Thayer’s leadership, the American Indian Community Development Corporation (AICDC) in conjunction with the American Indian Chemical Task Force, built Anishinabe Wakiagun (”The People’s Home”) that provides housing to about 450 chronic Native American alcoholics. While not a treatment program, the stable life provided to the residents has greatly reduced the number of visits to the Detoxification Center, from an average of 18 days per year per person to less than three per year. — Indians In Minnesota, 2006, p. 253
In addition, Native Americans have instituted culturally sensitive addiction treatment centers. Such Native-led treatment programs, like Overcomers Ministries’ First Nations Recovery Center, experience success rates of 71 percent, compared to success rates of 54 percent among non-Native programs. —Ibid. pp. 250-251
Also, while government funded health care for Native Americans has failed to keep up with the needs, Native Americans tribes have begun to provide healthcare to their community in more culturally sensitive ways. In this way, tribe-influenced health care delivery has shown results in treating diabetes and related programs to improve nutrition and exercise.—Ibid. p. 267