Watering Sacred Purpose: An Indigenous Elder's Framework to Youth Purpose

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Acculturation, Multiculturalism, and Positive Youth Development

Abstract

Western research on purpose has shown implications for our lives and yields substantial findings for positive youth development. Literature struggles to capture non-Western constructs of purpose, as well as its capacity for adolescence. In such, this article explores purpose through an Indigenous framework. A qualitative Indigenous research design was central to the methodology of this study utilizing conversational method. For the sake of this article, data is presented from one focus Elder with intentions of sharing this research “in a good way.” Four foundational themes emerged capturing the guiding principles of sacred purpose. A discussion follows on the four themes and its implications for adolescence.

Author

• Ricardo Medina, University of San Diego