Cultural Considerations When Working with Native Communities
Kiricka Yarbough Smith, MSW & Nikki Locklear | September 23 | 10:15-11:15 am
Topic: Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
A history of violence and trauma, sometimes perpetuated by U.S. government institutions, have led to Native Americans facing unique challenges as a marginalized and underserved population. As a result, many indigenous survivors of human trafficking will seek support from the community-based and culturally specific organizations that they trust, rather than from victim service agencies. Collaboration is required to overcome the many obstacles, such as limited funding and resources, that impact tribal organizations’ abilities to fully support all survivors of human trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence. A joint project between the Commission of Indian Affairs and the Council for Women and Youth Involvement, both advocacy agencies housed under the North Carolina Department of Administration, serves as a model of a successful collaboration to increase recognition of human trafficking, and to connect Native American survivors to culturally specific resources and services. This project is funded through a three-year grant awarded by the Office of Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) within the federal Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF). To better reach and serve indigenous survivors, it is important to understand the historical implications that have led to their marginalization, the importance of culture as a protective factor, and how oppression impacts service delivery. This presentation will look at how to build trust-based relationships with Native communities, as well as best practices for collaborative responses to human trafficking that include community-based and culturally specific organizations. This presentation is a how-to on incorporating cultural considerations into service provision strategies that can build trust to develop lasting relationships with tribal communities over time.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of why Native communities are vulnerable to violence
· Describe the importance of culture and how cultural misinformation impacts service provision
· Discuss ways to build trust with Native communities and the importance of collaborative responses to address human trafficking
· Explain how to provide culturally specific services to tribal communities