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Trauma and Human Rights pp 75–98Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Enhancing Indigenous Well-Being: Applying Human Rights and Trauma-Informed Perspectives with Native Americans

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Abstract

This chapter begins with an overview of Native Americans including basic demographics, a discussion of sovereignty, and the distinct relationship between Native American nations and the federal government. It is followed by a discussion of historical trauma and the failure to recognize human rights of Indigenous Peoples. This sets the framework for an examination of contemporary health and well-being of Native Americans. Historical and contemporary trauma is examined as human rights issues and explored through the lens of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Significant societal change is required to effectively address trauma for Native American Peoples. The chapter provides guidance for maximizing social justice and trauma-informed work with Native American Peoples.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Hilary N. Weaver

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  1. Hilary N. Weaver
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Correspondence to Hilary N. Weaver .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Lisa D. Butler

  2. School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Filomena M. Critelli

  3. Department of Social Work, Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA, USA

    Janice Carello

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Weaver, H.N. (2019). Enhancing Indigenous Well-Being: Applying Human Rights and Trauma-Informed Perspectives with Native Americans. In: Butler, L.D., Critelli, F.M., Carello, J. (eds) Trauma and Human Rights. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16395-2_4

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