Tribal and Shamanic-Based Social Work Practice: A Lakota Perspective

Abstract

Some may criticize this article and say it is best left in the oral tradition - this is a valid criticism. people are understandably wary of the written word, for often the written word objectifies understandings and can be manipulated outside the relationship in which the understanding was shared. The written word can be exploited in ways that were not intended. Thus, there is a risk in writing about philosophy and thought. However, not to write about views about social services, medicine, and health care is also a concern, because it would perpetuate the invisibility of people. Some people still consider Lakotas second-class citizens, a perception that has been internalized by some Lakotas after generations of racial oppression (Little Soldier, 1992). The purpose of this article is to honor the continuing journey (zu'ya) of understanding between social workers and philosophies to see how these two paths can help restore health (wicozani) to the people and bring about increased understanding (wo'wa'bleza) among peoples. This article is only one step in a process of ongoing mutual understanding and deepening respect. It is important to understand that this article is about how philosophies of help and healing can inform contemporary social work. Other tribes may not share the same philosophies; some may, but many tribes have very different approaches to help and healing. We wish to note that in writing this article about perspectives on help and healing, we are not inferring that philosophies are better than other tribal philosophies. Because social workers affect the lives of many people, we write about philosophies, so that social workers may have a greater respect for and understanding of culture. But people know that the only way to learn philosophy is to live it, and an article cannot change this reality. This article simply brings together ideas in a non-Lakota language and in non-Lakota ways of thinking, and this context is very important in reading this article. Throughout this article the term refers to traditional Lakota philosophy and values, which emphasize the distinctive cultural heritage, spirituality, social customs, and language of the Oyate, or the Teton Sioux - the western grouping of tribes, which includes seven bands, of the Great Sioux Nation. The term is used to connote the wisdom and practices of Lakotas, who historically have maintained their separateness from the dominant culture, retaining their language and cultural values and practices, aware that there are complex gradations of acculturation even among the traditionalists. The term American is used today to talk about common values and a certain shared identity among many people, and it also is used as the legal title of federally recognized tribes holding jurisdiction on reservation lands in the United States. The indigenous people of Canada and the Six Nations' (Iroquois) preferred the term Natives, which is the official term used by the Canadian government to identify indigenous people. The terms American Indian, Native American, and Indian People are used interchangeably throughout this article in speaking generically about shared values or issues. We are well aware of the historical and political complexity associated with these terms, as well as the diversity that exists among tribal people (Means, 1995). Has Anyone Noticed? The plight of people is serious. For many people the Health Service (IHS), a federally administered health care program that is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, is the only medical provider serving a population in remote areas with disproportionately higher incidence rates of diabetes and cervical cancer than the general U. …