Completing the Circle of Life: Death and Grief Among Native Americans

Abstract

This chapter will discuss cultural approaches and views of death, dying, and bereavement among Native Americans. It begin by focusing in the Macro section on culture, general demographics, examples of loss and trauma, and the natural order of things. In the Mezzo section, it examine differences among tribes in dealing with death and dying, traditional ways of care for and disposal of the dead, and understanding the importance and role of family members in dealing with death. In the Mezzo section, it also discuss the importance placed on culture, common cultural practices, and provide a tribal specific example of mourning practices. This is followed by a section on the current research and lack of evidence-based practices (EBP). Finally, in the Micro section, common standards of care are discussed and a case example is provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)