Pow Wow Research Papers

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The Denver March Pow Wow event was fun, educational and interesting. The Pow Wow consisted of many diverse native american tribes from all over the United States, who have come to perform cultural dances, and educate others about their beliefs. The Pow Wow had many booths on the outside that sold many different but relevant goods, such as: natural medicines, jewelry, animal skin, instruments, art and music. I found it fascinating that some native americans still lived in their tribes within their home village on the reservation. Their culture is very different and many different social determinants of health affect their population. Their ethnocentric beliefs are so different compared to the western culture, not only in natural medicine and
Due to all these problems many health disparities exist in their population, all ranging from: cultural beliefs in medicine, dancing, diet, individual behavior, the built environment and social connectedness. Although I mentioned substance abuse (alcohol and tobacco) is an issue, it was not talked about during the pow wow but i had discussed it with one of the native americans at the gift shop selling pipes and flasks. Native Americans use natural tobacco to heal physical ailments and to connect to spirits reminded me of a guest lecture during EHOH on substance abuse within their population. That is also considered an individualistic behavior to lower the quality of one's health whether it is smoking tobacco or alcohol
Many different factors affect the Native American People, in terms of social determinants of health include: access to care, cultural beliefs, high fat diet (mostly carbs/frybread), substance abuse and heritage(trust). Many of the issues faced are preventable with right approach to address their community. In order to gain trust in this community to help them is to use some of their own culture and change small pieces at a time rather than coming with a westernized idea right away and trying to have them forget about their heritage, that is what really stood out to me. With this approach and focusing on the highest risk for mortality or morbidity the problems in their communities can be eradicated and Native Americans can enjoy their heritage and culture but also utilize some other westernized benefits and gain trust of people trying to help them rather than the belief of being

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