| This thesis recommends community development strategies for a Native American tribe that has survived three-hundred and eighty-three years of colonial influences and impositions upon it's aboriginal culture and government. The recommendations are based on community development models, determinants of community well-being analysis, field research, and a estimation of the tribe's potential capacity for change. The Mashpee Wampanaog tribe has maintained some of its original cultural aspects, worldview, ceremonials, and most importantly its collective consciousness as a tribe. By carrying these cultural aspects through centuries of hardship and changes beyond their control, the tribe has demonstrated a need to adhere to what they call their "original instructions from the Creator as a people." This should not be interpreted as resistance to conforming to the dominant American society but rather a necessary devotion to their cultural heritage. The stresses of a bi-cultural lifestyle are reflected by the very high rate of diagnosed depression among the adult tribal population, particularly the male population. The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is a matrilineal culture existing in a patriarchal society, which also contributes to the rate of diagnosed depression. This thesis examines a strategy of enhancing cultural elements to meet the emotional, mental, spiritual, physical needs of the tribe while respecting the volition of the tribe. |
Indigenous Policy Journal