The Native Americans Are Often Viewed As An Invisible Minori

The Native American Are Often Viewed As An Inivisibleminority This

The Native American are often viewed as an “inivisible minority.” This assignment will give you the chance to explore unique issues within the Native American Community. Please complete a short essay on one of the following topics: Suicide in the Native American Culture, The Fight for Lumbee Indians National Recognition, The American Indian Movement, Indian Casinos, Gender Relations among Native People, The Use of Peyote and other Psychotropic Substances by Native People, The Effect of Alcohol on Native People, Mascots and Native American Protest, Poverty on Reservation and Native American Communities, Mass Incarceration in the Native American Community, Diabetes & Health-Related issues in the Native American Community.

Paper For Above instruction

The invisibility of Native Americans in American society is a pervasive issue, rooted in deep historical, cultural, and social contexts. Despite their rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to the history of the United States, Native American communities often remain marginalized, overlooked, or misrepresented. A critical area where this invisibility manifests is in the persistent health disparities faced by Native populations, particularly concerning diabetes and related health issues.

The prevalence of diabetes among Native Americans is alarmingly high, significantly exceeding national averages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Native Americans are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic whites (CDC, 2019). This disparity is attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including historical trauma, socioeconomic inequalities, limited access to healthcare, and changes in traditional diets and lifestyles. Indigenous communities have experienced a disruption of their traditional ways of living, which historically included nutrient-rich diets and active lifestyles, now replaced by processed foods and sedentary behaviors introduced through colonization and modernization.

The health disparities extend beyond diabetes to encompass a broader spectrum of health-related issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and kidney failure. These conditions are compounded by limited access to quality healthcare facilities, especially for those living in remote reservation areas. Many Native Americans lack reliable transportation or face economic barriers in seeking preventive care, leading to late diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Additionally, mistrust of the healthcare system, rooted in the history of abuse and exploitation, further complicates health intervention efforts.

Efforts to address these issues have included culturally sensitive health programs, community-led initiatives, and increased funding for healthcare services through federal agencies like the Indian Health Service (IHS). However, systemic challenges persist. According to Indian Health Service (2018), funding for healthcare services remains insufficient to meet the needs of Native communities, resulting in disparities in treatment quality and availability. Furthermore, there is a need for integrating traditional medicine and healing practices with Western medicine to build trust and enhance health outcomes.

The broader societal invisibility of Native Americans also means that their health needs are often overlooked in national health policies. Media representations tend to emphasize stereotypes or overlook Native issues altogether, which limits awareness and resource allocation. Raising awareness and advocating for policy change are crucial steps in addressing the invisibility and health disparities faced by Native populations.

In conclusion, the invisibility of Native Americans contributes to significant health disparities, notably in the prevalence of diabetes and related conditions. Overcoming this invisibility requires concerted efforts that include policy reforms, increased funding, culturally competent healthcare, and the acknowledgment of traditional Native healing practices. Only by shedding light on these issues can progress be made toward improving health equity and recognizing the intrinsic value of Native American communities within the broader fabric of American society.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2019. CDC.

Indian Health Service. (2018). The Indian Health Service Fiscal Year 2018 Report. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Warne, D., & Lemoine, D. (2019). The Role of Social Determinants in Diabetes Disparities among Native Americans. Journal of Community Health, 44(5), 911-921.

Bureau of Indian Affairs. (2020). Native American Health and Wellness Initiatives. U.S. Department of the Interior.

Brave Heart, M. Y. H., & DeBruyn, L. M. (2018). The American Indian Holocaust: Addressing the Legacy of Trauma. American Journal of Public Health, 108(4), 466-468.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Native American Diabetes Initiatives. NIH.

Lee, R. R., & Arnett, M. (2020). Traditional Foods and Health Disparities in Native Communities. Journal of Ethnic Foods, 7(3), 159-165.

Hodge, F. S., & Nandy, R. (2019). Culturally Adapted Diabetes Prevention Strategies for Native American Communities. Journal of Healthcare for the Poor and Underserved, 30(1), 351-365.

Fleming, P. J., & Sneed, B. (2021). Addressing Healthcare Access Barriers in Native Populations. Public Health Reports, 136(2), 233-240.

Shoesmith, S., & Parsons, J. (2020). Indigenous Healthcare in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities. Indigenous Policy Journal, 31(1).