Practical Advice

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From Someone Who Has Been in Your Shoes…

Practical advice from non-natives who have worked at IHS on how to prepare and wisely use your time on the reservation

Prior to the trip

Research and read about Native American history and culture, in general and specifically related to the reservation and tribe you will be working with.

Reflect on your own questions. Setting an intention to learn about specific areas of interest or to answer particular questions. For example: How do spiritual beliefs affect women's contraceptive choices?

Allot time for additional fieldwork of your interest. You can be working a busy schedule so set-aside time while you are on the reservation for personal enrichment.

Make connections prior to your stay so you can allot time to meet with public health nurses, medicine men, community leaders and others who could enrich your experience and enhance your knowledge of the culture, spirituality and health care system.

During the trip

If you do not understand something; ask the person what they mean or why they believe that and be open to hearing the answer.

Take advantage of any invitation you receive. Connecting with people engaged in the community can open up doors to different cultural events such as festivals and pow-wows.

Using the RESPECT Mnemonic To Reinforce Culturally Responsive Attitudes and Behaviors

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Respect—Understand how different groups express respect. Respect occurs through both verbal and nonverbal communications.

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Explanatory model—Understand the how people place their problems in a historical context. Historical treatment of a group has implications on how the individual views their problem, and this might differ from the counselor's perspective.

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Sociocultural context—Recognize how class, race, ethnicity, gender, education, socioeconomic status, sexual and gender orientation, immigrant status, community, family, gender roles, and so forth affect care.

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Power—Acknowledge the power differential between clients and counselors.

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Empathy—Express, verbally and nonverbally, the significance of each client's concerns so that he or she feels understood by the counselor.

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Concerns and fears—Elicit clients' concerns and apprehensions regarding help-seeking behavior and initiation of treatment.

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Therapeutic alliance/Trust—Commit to behaviors that enhance the therapeutic relationship; recognize that trust is not inherent but must be earned by counselors.

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Sources: Bigby and American College of Physicians 2003; Campinha-Bacote et al. 2005.

http://www.diversityresources.com/health/indian.html