Next Up in THE FINE PRINT: How Centuries of Deception and Invisibility Have Impacted the Health of Native Americans - An Interview with Tlingit Nation Member Dr. Mary Owen
During the nearly 100-year period from the Revolutionary War through the aftermath of the Civil War, hundreds of treaties would define the relationship between the United States and Native Americans for centuries to come. The treaties were based on the fundamental idea that each tribe was an independent nation, with their own right to self-determination and self-rule.
Nearly all of the treaties have been broken by the U.S. and continue to be dishonored today.
How has this impacted the health, healthcare and wellness of Native Americans?
Today, Native Americans are more likely to be killed by police than people of any other background.
Native women are 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted.
Native Americans have experienced violence perpetrated by at least one non-Native person.
Native youth not only have the lowest graduation rates of any group but they are also dying by suicide at the highest rate of any demographic in the United States.
Native teens are twice as likely to be incarcerated for minor crimes than teens of any other background.
Next up in THE FINE PRINT: My interview with Dr. Mary Owen. Dr. Owen is a member of the Tlingit nation and the Director of the Center of American Indian and Minority Health at the University of Minnesota.
We will discuss autonomy, trust, rurality, the terms “Pre-paid” vs. “Free,” and the vital health connection between mind, heart and land. Also: Invisibility.
(“Flag.” Grand Marais, Minnesota, April 2022. Photo by Kimberly J. Soenen)