Walk Softly, Listen Carefully: Engaging in Community- and Strengths-based Research with Native American Communities

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Abstract

There is a severe shortfall of developmental research among Native American youth, families and their communities. Further, much of the existing research focuses on negative behaviors and outcomes (e.g., substance use, depression, and suicide), while failing to acknowledge existing sources of strength and resilience already found in Native American families and communities. However, there is promise of positive strengths-based research on the horizon for Native American families and communities, as scholars have begun to highlight Native American identity, traditions, and culture as sources of strength that youth and families can draw upon. This roundtable discussion will highlight the experiences of researchers, including Native American scholars, who have worked among a diverse array of Native American communities (e.g., urban Native American communities, rural and reservation-based communities, and broad national samples of Native American youth and young adults). The discussion will focus on how these scholars have built and developed relationships with these communities to provide meaningful, needed, and timely research. We recognize that many scholars may have an interest in working with Native American communities and engaging in community- and strengths-based research, but just do not know where to begin the process. In hosting this conversation roundtable, we aim to provide developmental scientists with approaches and insights for collaborating with Native American partners to produce meaningful research that is mutually beneficial to Native American people and the scientific community.

Participants: Ashley B. Cole, Joseph P. Gone, Monica Tsethlikai, & Melissa L. Walls
Organizer and Discussant: Adam J. Hoffman

Sub Unit

• Solicited Content: Indigenous Children and Families

Moderator

• Adam J. Hoffman, Cornell University

Panelists

• Ashley Brooke Cole, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

• Joseph P. Gone, Harvard University

• Monica M. Tsethlikai, Arizona State University

• Melissa L. Walls, Johns Hopkins University