Module 1: Native Cultures

Goal of Module 1: To provide a cultural background for your HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention program.

There are many layers of diversity within any culture. When learning about Native cultures, it is important to acknowledge the differences between various tribes, nations, villages, and islands. These differences can occur among groups within a single geographical region or across various regions. Although it is impossible to learn the unique characteristics of each Native entity, it is possible to recognize and better understand a specific group’s customs, norms, beliefs, and values in order to gain a distinct cultural perspective.
Contents 6 Social Structure

This module discusses the role of culture in HIV/AIDS prevention, intervention, and care.

It includes information on:

  1. Native Cultural Diversity


  2. Traditionalism


  3. Spiritual and Religious Beliefs


  4. Healing/Healthcare


  5. Worldview


  6. Social Structure


  7. Homelands


  8. Language


  9. Nutrition

 

 

Native social structures can take several forms including extended families, clans, moieties, bands, and patriarchal or matriarchal structures. Individual responsibilities and obligations are often determined by the social structure in place. Most Native American societies emphasize unity and responsibility for community health. When designing an effective prevention program, you must include the entire community in your intervention, not just your focus population.

  • Identify the social structure in place within your community. How do different groups within that structure contribute to community health?

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  • Identify the roles that specific groups play within the social structure. Consider men, women, Two-Spirits, youth, and elders. How do these groups perceive and communicate with each other?


TERMINOLOGY:
tribe – a social division in a traditional society consisting of linked families or communities with a common culture and dialect
moiety – a division (usually half) of a social group or tribe
clan – a close-knit group of interrelated families
family - a group of people related by blood or marriage