Unit 8: Native Americans Chapter 9 Multicultural Law Enforcement Strategies for Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society, 4th Ed. Shusta, Levine, Wong, Olson, and Harris

The following slides highlight key points you should learn from chapter 9. They in no way are meant to cover all the material in each chapter. Therefore students will still need to reference the full text material for quizzes and exams. CJ246 Unit 8 PowerPoint

An Indian Prayer: Oh our Mother the earth, Oh our Father the sky, Your children are we, and with tired backs We bring you the gifts of love. Then weave for us a garment of brightness… May the fringes be the falling rain. May the border be the standing rainbow. That we may walk fittingly where birds sing… and where grass is green, Oh our mother earth, Oh our father sky. CJ246 Unit 8 PowerPoint

History Native Americans existed long before Columbus in 1492. The term “Indians” was coined by Columbus when he thought he arrived in the Indies. Prior to Columbus, tribes never grouped themselves together as a common cultural group. Entire tribes were killed, but the genocide is not a chapter in US history of which people like to focus. Federal treaties have been ongoing even as early as 2000 and 2002 by Clinton and Bush respectively For 200 years Native Americans have fought for the U.S. Military CJ246 Unit 8 PowerPoint

Demographics In 2006 there were 3.3 million self-identified Native Americans in U.S. New York and Los Angeles have the largest population of American Indians. Over 561 federally recognized tribes Different tribes have varying traditions Less than half reside on Indian Reservations full time. CJ246 Unit 8 PowerPoint

Communication Too much openness is avoided and may be seen as superficial and untrustworthy Ability to remain quiet, still, and to observe is a virtue Talking to fill silence is not important Eye contact may or may not be a norm. For some, intense eye contact is seen as intrusive or hostile Physical space and touching should be limited Avoid the use of offensive terms like “chief, squaw, buck, redskin, brave, and skins”, even when joking. CJ246 Unit 8 PowerPoint

Myths and Stereotypes They are wild, savage, and primitive. They are all drunks They can’t be trusted “Indian Givers” There are no good Indians CJ246 Unit 8 PowerPoint

Values Earth is sacred and is a living entity We are not superior. We are part of creation and nature. Spiritual connections to the universe are part of rituals. Respect for elders Identity is related to the family and Tribe May be fiercely protective of being separated from family, due to past trauma CJ246 Unit 8 PowerPoint

Key Issues for Law Enforcement Perception of police is negative, because of past experiences Reservations are sovereign nations, which means that they are ruled by their own laws and governing body…Tribal Police and Courts State officials must cooperate with Tribal officials. A great deal of friction can occur, especially because past treaties have been broken or ignored. Peyote use is common and not illegal while on reservations. Peyote is considered illegal on non-tribal grounds. Understand that there may be times when a Native American person does not feel that he/she is breaking the law, because of what they understand as falling under a treaty (i.e., gambling and fishing). CJ246 Unit 8 PowerPoint