Urban Native Americans Research Articles

Context of substance initiation among urban Native Americans: an exploratory retrospective case-control study.

Addiction is a significant problem among many Native American groups but has rarely been examined in urban populations. In particular, little is known about the context in which urban Native Americans first use substances. This study compares cases (people with a history of addiction) to controls (people without a history of addiction) on demographics, substance use history, context of first substance use, and polysubstance use. In addition, this appears to be the first study to overcome the lack of Native American professionals by employing and training lay community members to identify criteria of substance use disorders in survey participants. Employing community members helped foster trust that enabled the revelation of sensitive and often illegal activity. As a result, the investigators were able to recruit participants who likely would not have engaged with traditional researchers. The trained Native American lay research assistants recruited community members and administered surveys. They first asked questions regarding the criteria for substance use disorders. Individuals who were determined to have met criteria for a substance use disorder in the past were classified as cases (n=38) and those who never met such criteria were classified as controls (n=42). They then asked demographic, substance use, and polysubstance use questions. Lastly, eight cases and eight controls were randomly selected for a second interview by a licensed drug and alcohol counselor (LDAC) who conducted a blinded assessment regarding the presence or absence of a history of a substance use disorder. Both groups reported a relatively young age of first substance use (age 16 years for cases and age 15 years for controls). Alcohol was the first substance most commonly used in both groups. Controls reported first benzodiazepine use at a younger age than cases but no other significant differences were found. Both groups reported first obtaining their first drug from family, friends, or at home (rather than a party, bar, or store). Most commonly, the location of their first use of drugs occurred at a friend's home, a party, a bar, or school rather than at their own home. Cases were marginally more likely to report that their first drug use occurred with a friend rather than with a family member when compared with controls. The majority of both groups reported that their first drug use occurred with other Native Americans rather than with non-Native Americans. Polysubstance use was common in both groups (43-45%). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding polysubstance use. The LDAC arrived at the same determination as the trained research assistants on all eight cases and eight controls.

Mixed Methods Evaluation of Satisfaction with Two Culturally Tailored Substance use Prevention Programs for American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities are disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. AI/AN emerging adults (ages 18–25) in urban areas are at particularly high risk, with the overdose death rate among urban-dwelling AI/AN people 1.4 times higher than rural-dwelling AI/AN people. Despite these challenges, there are no evidence-based culturally tailored prevention or intervention programs to address opioid, alcohol and other drug use among urban AI/AN emerging adults. This study focused on understanding AI/AN emerging adults’ experiences with two culturally tailored programs addressing opioid, cannabis, and alcohol use as part of the randomized controlled trial for Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA) in order to enhance feasibility of this intervention. Using a convergent mixed methods design at 3-month follow-up, we collected satisfaction and experience ratings and written narratives (total n = 162; intervention n = 77; control n = 85) from a sample of urban-dwelling AI/AN emerging adults who participated in both programs. We analyzed data through simultaneous examination of qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative ratings show that both programs were rated highly. The qualitative data contextualized these ratings, illustrating pathways through which specific components were perceived to cause desired or observed behavioral change in participants. Among the elements that mattered most to these participants were the convenience of the virtual format, having a comfortable and safe space to share personal stories, and learning new information about their social networks. Negative comments focused on workshop length and inconvenient scheduling. This is one of the first studies to explore participant satisfaction and experience with culturally tailored substance use programming among a historically marginalized and understudied population. It is important to consider the voices of urban-dwelling AI/AN people in program development because hidden factors, such as limited financial resources, limited time, and misalignment with cultural values may prevent existing programs from being feasible.

The Culture is Prevention Project: measuring cultural connectedness and providing evidence that culture is a social determinant of health for Native Americans

BackgroundIt is important for non-Native persons to understand that the meaning of culture to Native American/Indigenous Peoples is not about esteem, taste or music but rather is described as a cognitive map on how to be. Native American/Indigenous culture can be thought of as all the things and ways in which Native/Indigenous people understand who they are, where they come from and how they are to interact with others. Hundreds of years across many generations have taught that culture-based activities and interventions improve Native/Indigenous health and wellbeing. We explore if increased Native American culture/cultural connectedness is associated with better mental health/well-being and physical health.MethodsWe analyzed data from a two-phased study (N = 259 and N = 102) of 361 urban Native Americans in California (2018–2021). The 29 items validated Cultural Connectedness Scale-California (CCS-CA) measured Native culture/cultural connectedness. Mental health/well-being and physical health were assessed using the: modified Herth Hope Index (mHHI), Satisfaction with Life (SWL), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R-10), Substance Abuse (CAGE-AID), and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). We conducted Pearson correlations and stepwise regression analyses with CCS-CA as the independent (predictor) variable to explore our main research questions: 1) Is increased Native American/Indigenous culture associated with: 1) better mental health/well-being; and 2) better physical health?ResultsIncreased Native/Indigenous culture (CCS-CA scores) is significantly associated with better mental health/well-being (mHHI, p < .001) and satisfaction with life (SWL, p < .001) predicts good physical health days (HRQOL, p < .001). Increased connection to Native American/Indigenous culture (CCS-CA scores) is significantly associated with decreased risk for depression (CESD-R-10, p < .0) and substance abuse and (CAGE-AID, p < .07). Significant results for culture as protective against risk for substance abuse (CAGE-AID) was most likely affected (p value approaching significance) due to an error in language on the measure (i.e., created double negative).ConclusionsNative American/Indigenous culture is a predictor of improved outcomes for mental health/well-being and physical healthy days. Native culture is an important social determinant of health. We add to the evidence that Native/Indigenous culture (i.e., cultural connectedness) be considered an important intervention objective and health-related outcome measure.

A Corpus-based Concordances Analysis of Tommy Orange’s There There in Relation to Monistic Philosophy

The present paper is an attempt to discuss monism in Tommy Orange’s There There by using selected concordance occurrences. Monistic philosophy rejects the post-modern concept of pluralism and instability. Using the Antconc toolkit, the concordance of the terms such as story, history and its plurals too were found and the relation of these words to the signs, situations, characters and themes was tested for textual monism. In addition, if these words help to make the novel a coherent whole, the concordance plots of those words have also been closely studied. The choice of the text for these words was due to the author's own argument that the story of the urban Native American is to be considered within the context of its histories. Despite the fact that characters seem to be fractured 'stories' under the influence of their violent history, phrases that exist in multiple ways, incidents and themes seem to serve as links and turning points to maintain a connected and coherent overall narrative about the urban Native American community.

A qualitative study of COVID-19 vaccine decision making among urban Native Americans

BackgroundSignificant disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality exist for Native American (NA) people, the majority of whom live in urban areas. COVID-19 vaccination is a key strategy for mitigating these disparities; however, vaccination disparities affect NA communities. The current study investigated COVID-19 vaccine decision-making before widespread vaccine rollout occurred, among urban NA communities. We aimed to understand vaccine decision-making factors to develop recommendations about COVID-19 vaccine outreach. MethodsWe conducted three in-depth virtual focus groups with 17 NA adults living in an urban community (Los Angeles County) between December 2020 and January 2021. Participants were recruited through NA community-based organizations and community stakeholders. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti. FindingsParticipants in this study identified two overarching themes with implications for health vaccination campaigns. First, participants described a need for tailored information and outreach, including NA vaccine outreach that addresses misconceptions about vaccine development to calm fears of experimentation and support communication of vaccine evidence specific to NA people. Second, participants suggested strategies to improve public health resources in the urban NA community, such as the need for unified, proactive communication across trusted NA entities, navigation support to improve vaccine accessibility, and adequately resourcing health partnerships with and among trusted NA community agencies for improved reach. ConclusionIn this qualitative study, we found that urban NA participants reported several factors that affected their vaccine decision-making, including a lack of tailored information for their communities. Our findings also underscore the need to work with tribes, tribal leadership, and urban NA serving organizations to coordinate vaccine communication and distribution to urban communities where the majority of NAs now reside. Further, these findings have implications for COVID-19 vaccine outreach among urban NA communities and demonstrate the need for clear and tailored engagement about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Reply on comments from Paul Calle on 'Visitors of the Dutch drug checking service: Profile and drug use experience.'

Although approximately 70% of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people reside in urban areas, very few opioid prevention interventions exist for urban AI/AN emerging adults. The study team conducted this study to develop Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA), a new opioid prevention intervention for urban AI/AN emerging adults ages 18–25. TACUNA comprises three 2-hour virtual workshops.We conducted thirteen focus groups in three urban communities in northern, central, and southern California (six with urban AI/AN emerging adults ages 18–25 [n = 32], four with parents [n = 26], and three with providers [n = 33]) to identify relevant intervention domains. We then incorporated the results of a rapid analysis of the focus groups to develop intervention workshops followed by a pilot test (n = 15) to further refine the intervention and assess feasibility.Four major domains emerged from focus groups: 1) historical trauma/cultural identity, 2) AI/AN traditional practices, 3) social networks, and 4) substance use. We incorporated all feedback relating to each theme to enhance content of the TACUNA intervention. Pilot test participants felt that TACUNA content was interesting, addressed their issues and concerns as urban AI/AN emerging adults, and believed that the program could help them to establish cultural and social connections to live healthier lives.Research activities demonstrate how a community-informed and culturally grounded opioid prevention intervention can be developed for urban AI/AN emerging adults. Addressing issues and challenges with culturally and developmentally relevant intervention content can help to build resilience and hopefully decrease opioid use among this underserved population.

Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA): Utilizing community-based input to develop an opioid prevention intervention for urban American Indian/Alaska Native emerging adults

IntroductionAlthough approximately 70% of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people reside in urban areas, very few opioid prevention interventions exist for urban AI/AN emerging adults. The study team conducted this study to develop Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA), a new opioid prevention intervention for urban AI/AN emerging adults ages 18–25. TACUNA comprises three 2-hour virtual workshops. MethodsWe conducted thirteen focus groups in three urban communities in northern, central, and southern California (six with urban AI/AN emerging adults ages 18–25 [n = 32], four with parents [n = 26], and three with providers [n = 33]) to identify relevant intervention domains. We then incorporated the results of a rapid analysis of the focus groups to develop intervention workshops followed by a pilot test (n = 15) to further refine the intervention and assess feasibility. ResultsFour major domains emerged from focus groups: 1) historical trauma/cultural identity, 2) AI/AN traditional practices, 3) social networks, and 4) substance use. We incorporated all feedback relating to each theme to enhance content of the TACUNA intervention. Pilot test participants felt that TACUNA content was interesting, addressed their issues and concerns as urban AI/AN emerging adults, and believed that the program could help them to establish cultural and social connections to live healthier lives. ConclusionsResearch activities demonstrate how a community-informed and culturally grounded opioid prevention intervention can be developed for urban AI/AN emerging adults. Addressing issues and challenges with culturally and developmentally relevant intervention content can help to build resilience and hopefully decrease opioid use among this underserved population.

Abstract P119: Conceptualizing Cultural Safety When Implementing A Community Based Substance Use Intervention Study Among Urban Native American Youth

Background: This study was conducted in the United States of America among Urban Native American (NA) youth attending two urban NA youth programs within the State of Florida. Aim: To culturally tailor the evidence-based Lowe (2016) Keetoowah-Cherokee Talking Circle intervention for substance use prevention among Keetoowah-Cherokee youth to that of an Urban Taking Circle (UTC) intervention for use among urban NA youth. Method: The integration of a culturally relevant theory, Native-Reliance, a community-based program approach, and cultural safety principles guided the intervention study method. The study implemented a 2-condition quasi experimental design and utilized convenience and snowball sampling methods for recruiting 100 urban NA youth as study participants. Participants originated from two urban NA community programs and were randomized by program site. Statistical analysis using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) provided the means for determining if there were significant differences between the scores on measures at pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention. Results: Data findings indicated there is a direct relationship between the urban NA youth participants’ interests in engaging in drug use, alcohol consumption, and commercial tobacco smoking. However, additional findings provide evidence that a culturally based intervention was significantly more effective for the reduction of these substance use interests and general well-being than a non-culturally based intervention for urban NA youth. Conclusion: Study findings also indicated that supporting Urban NA youths’ utilization of urban NA values and beliefs promoted healthy behavior. Culturally safe interventions that support urban NA youth as a means in reducing harm associated with high-risk behaviors, such as substance use, is strongly recommended. Impact Statement: During each phase of the study, its method established assurance of cultural safety by operationalizing Native Reliance Theory. Therefore, an in-depth examination of the study methods with cultural safety principles is presented in context and warranted.

Integrating traditional practices and social network visualization to prevent substance use: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial among urban Native American emerging adults

BackgroundNonmedical use of prescription opioids (defined as taking opioid medications for hedonic effects or in a manner other than prescribed) and the use of heroin have emerged in recent years as major public health concerns in the United States. Of particular concern is the prevalence of opioid use among emerging adults (ages 18–25), as this is a developmental period of heightened vulnerability and critical social, neurological, and psychological development. Data from 2015 show that American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have the highest rates of diagnosis for opioid use disorders (OUDs). One recent study found that the overdose death rate among urban-dwelling AI/AN individuals was 1.4 times higher compared to those living in rural areas. To date, there are no evidence-based prevention programs addressing opioid use among urban AI/AN emerging adults that integrate culturally-appropriate strategies with evidence-based treatment. Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA) builds on our prior work with AI/AN communities across California to develop and evaluate culturally appropriate programming to address opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use among urban AI/AN emerging adults.Methods/designIn a randomized controlled trial, 18–25 year old urban AI/AN emerging adults will receive either TACUNA (n = 185), which comprises three virtual workshops utilizing motivational interviewing, social network visualization, and integrating traditional practices and a wellness circle, or one virtual culturally sensitive opioid education workshop (n = 185). We will evaluate intervention effects on primary outcomes of frequency of opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use, as well as secondary outcomes of social network characteristics and cultural connectedness, over a 12-month period.DiscussionThis project has the potential to expand the range and effectiveness of opioid, alcohol, and cannabis services for urban AI/AN emerging adults by addressing the opioid epidemic and use of other substances at both the community and individual level. In addition, it provides important culturally grounded conceptual and practical information to advance the field of substance use interventions and enhance resiliency among this population.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04617938. Registered October 26, 2020 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04617938.

Cultural influences on willingness to donate organs among urban native Americans.

The need for organ donation is substantial among Native Americans, driven by the disproportionate burden of ESRD. Due to the dearth of knowledge about willingness to donate (WTD) among urban Native Americans, a group that represents over half of the US Native population, we aimed to examine factors affecting donation. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample, using a questionnaire developed specifically for this study using community-based participatory research. The questionnaire was designed to be culturally relevant to the Native community, based on questions from three previously validated instruments and developed through one-on-one interviews. We performed logistic regression to associate survey answers with WTD. Seventy percent of our 183 respondents stated that they would be willing to have their organs donated after death; however, only 41% were already registered as an organ donor on their driver's license. Logistic regression analysis found specific items in domains of trust of the medical community and spirituality most closely associated with WTD. Sixty-two percent of Native Americans surveyed reported they would not donate organs because they distrust the medical community. Our findings suggest multiple areas of focus for increasing organ donation within this subset of the diverse Native community. Efforts to promote donation should be aimed at building trust in the medical community.

Children’s Play with a Forest Diorama as a Window into Ecological Cognition

ABSTRACTThis study examined the play of 4-year-old children with a forest diorama that included toy representations of plants and animals. To examine the potential role of culture and expertise in diorama play, children from 3 samples participated: rural Native American, urban Native American, and urban non-Native American. Children’s playtime was divided into time segments, which were coded for types of actions and for types of talk. Children from all 3 samples actively engaged with the diorama in both realistic and imaginative play. Furthermore, children from all samples were sensitive to ecological relations. In addition, Native American children talked at least as much as the non-Native American children, a finding that challenges widespread characterizations of Native American children as less talkative and possessing smaller vocabularies. The most striking finding was that Native American children (both urban and rural) were more than twice as likely as non-Native American children to take the perspective of an animal in their play. These results demonstrate the value of dioramas for assessing young children’s biological cognition.

Alcoholics Anonymous-Related Benefit for Urban Native Americans: Does Urban Native American Gender Moderate AA Engagement and Outcomes?

ABSTRACTAlcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most commonly accessed resources for individuals seeking to reduce their drinking. How urban Native Americans fare in AA is only beginning to be investigated in spite of circumstantial evidence suggesting that a majority of treatment-seeking urban Native Americans will receive 12-Step treatment. Even less is known about Native American gender differences with regard to AA-related benefit. The current study addressed this gap by investigating urban Native American gender differences in AA attendance rates and outcomes. To this end, as part of two larger National Institutes of Health-funded studies we recruited 63 Native American men and women and followed them for 9 months in this naturalistic study (n = 35 males, n = 28 females). Urban Native Americans significantly reduced their drinking over the study period, and AA attendance explained, in part, increased abstinence of study participants. No significant differences in AA attendance and drinking outcomes were observed between Native American men and women; however, descriptively men reported greater reductions in hazardous drinking relative to women. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.

Crystalizing the role of traditional healing in an urban Native American health center.

A needs assessment surveying American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs) at an AI/AN health center in the Midwestern United States was conducted, with an emphasis on traditional Native healing. Data from this study included qualitative material from interviews of community members (N = 27; age 12-82) and service providers (N = 11; age 26-70). Respondents emphasized the path to wellness includes physical, spiritual and mental health and that traditional healing can restore various imbalances. Furthermore, traditional healing was considered a complement to Western medicine. Third, traditional medicine as a tool in healthcare settings was conceptualized on a continuum.

Obesogenic Cultural Drift and Nutritional Transition

Social ecology models applied to eating behaviors and health outcomes in low-income urban areas have focused on food deserts and other structural constraints to healthier eating. This study expands that work by identifying culturally specific constraints on food behaviors among low-income urban Native Americans. Exposure to commodities packages supplied by the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations has created a new conception of what is meant by “traditional food,” creating a barrier to change. However, this study identifies opportunities to expand the institutional role of urban Indian Centers, allowing for culturally sensitive interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of obesogenic cultural drift.

Urban and Indigenous: The Challenges of being a Native American in the City

The United States is home to more than 4 million Native Americans, the majority of whom live in urban areas. Urban Native Americans often experience significant social, health, and economic problems while having access to substantially fewer Native-specific resources than their reservation-based counterparts. They also face challenges with access to tribal services and political processes, as well as identity-sustaining cultural resources. This article describes the urban nature of many contemporary Native American communities. Examples from various urban Native American communities highlight the challenges faced by urban Native people, as well as creative initiatives developed to serve this population. This paper draws on and synthesizes the literature on contemporary urban Native communities, thus providing needed information for service providers and researchers working in these communities.

American Indian Health: Integrating Traditional Native Healing Practices and Western Medicine

Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVol. 18, No. 1 American Indian Health: Integrating Traditional Native Healing Practices and Western MedicineSala HorowitzSala HorowitzSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:17 Feb 2012https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2012.18103AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited ByThe Unmet Need for Orthopaedic Services Among American Indian and Alaska Native Communities in the United States1 February 2022 | Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol. 104, No. 11Racial, ethnic differences in complementary and integrative health use among adults with mental illness: Results from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey7 May 2021 | The Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling, Vol. 27, No. 1“Together We Can Return to Balance”—Eastern Woodlands Native Perspectives and Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study30 October 2020 | The Diabetes Educator, Vol. 46, No. 6Tangled pasts, healthier futures: Nursing strategies to improve American Indian/Alaska Native health equity16 June 2020 | Nursing Inquiry, Vol. 27, No. 4Indigenous Community Health22 January 2021Conclusions25 October 2019Crystalizing the Role of Traditional Healing in an Urban Native American Health Center24 December 2014 | Community Mental Health Journal, Vol. 51, No. 3 Volume 18Issue 1Feb 2012 Information© 2012, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Sala Horowitz.American Indian Health: Integrating Traditional Native Healing Practices and Western Medicine.Alternative and Complementary Therapies.Feb 2012.24-30.http://doi.org/10.1089/act.2012.18103Published in Volume: 18 Issue 1: February 17, 2012PDF download

Evaluation of a Substance Abuse, HIV and Hepatitis Prevention Initiative for Urban Native Americans: The Native Voices Program

Although many community-based prevention interventions are conducted in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, few studies report the outcomes. This article is a mixed methods outcome evaluation of an HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and substance abuse prevention intervention for an urban AI/AN community, Native Voices. The study group was composed of 100 youth (ages 13 to 18) who lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. The outcome measures of interest were knowledge, perception of risk, sexual self-efficacy, ethnic identity, and sexual risk behavior. The findings indicate that knowledge, perception of risk, and sexual self-efficacy increased, while no change was shown in measures of ethnic identity and behavior. Findings extended prior research by evaluating the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) curriculum, a promising intervention designed for AI/AN people.

Assessment of Clients Health Needs of Two Urban Native American Health Centers in the San Francisco Bay Area

A needs assessment was compiled from self-administered questionnaires completed by 796 clients at the Urban Indian Health Service clinics in San Francisco and Oakland, California. Data on the health disparities between Native Americans and Alaskan Natives and the rest of the U.S. population are limited. The data that exist, however, indicate that Native Americans continue to fare worse than the general population. This needs assessment reveals the same trend among a sample of clients of two Native American Health Centers in the San Francisco Bay Area and provides further information about the health needs and interests of the population currently attending these centers.

The Battle for Fort Lawton: Competing Environmental Claims in Postwar Seattle

Focusing on Seattle in the 1960s and early 1970s, this article argues that the postwar environmental movement grew out of concerns among urbanites about physical and social changes in the metropolitan context. The “battle of Fort Lawton” was a series of protests over the conversion of an old army fort to a “wilderness park.” In these protests, women and urban Native Americans offered competing arguments about the meaning and uses of nature in the city. This article traces a growing constituency of environmental activists, broadly defined, whose goals ranged from “beautification” in the early 1960s to “ecology” in the early 1970s. These struggles over open space demonstrate how definitions of nature and of environmentalism often reflected competing visions of politics and of citizenship in the emerging postindustrial city.

Native hubs: culture, community, and belonging in Silicon Valley and beyond

Most Native Americans in the United States live in cities, where many find themselves caught in a bind, neither afforded the full rights granted U.S. citizens nor allowed full access to the tribal programs and resources - particularly health care services - provided to Native Americans living on reservations. A scholar and a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Renya K. Ramirez investigates how urban Native Americans negotiate what she argues is, in effect, a transnational existence, looking at how they have pressed their tribes, the federal government, and local institutions to expand conventional notions of citizenship. She does this through an ethnographic account of the Native American community in California's Silicon Valley and beyond. Ramirez's ethnography revolves around the Paiute American activist Laverne Roberts' notion of the hub - a space that allows for the creation of a sense of belonging away from a geographic centre. Ramirez describes hub-making activities in Silicon Valley such as sweat lodge ceremonies, powwows, and American Indian Alliance meetings - gatherings where urban Indians reinforce bonds of social belonging and forge intertribal alliances. She investigates the struggle of the Muwekma Ohlone, a tribe aboriginal to the San Francisco Bay area, to maintain a sense of community without a land base and to be recognized as a tribe by the federal government. She considers the crucial role of Native women within urban indigenous communities; a 2004 meeting in which Native Americans from Mexico and the United States discussed cross-border indigenous rights activism; and the ways that young Native Americans in Silicon Valley experience race and ethnicity, especially in relation to the area's large Chicano community. A unique and important exploration of diaspora, transnationalism, identity, belonging, and community, Native Hubs is intended for scholars and activists alike.