American Indians Public Health Analysis

Dr. Marti Lindsey began her lecture with a parable about one’s ability to listen and learn. She explained how in the creation of humans long ago, there best fit creation was one that solved problems. There was first the creation of just one eye, but whoever created humans, decided that two eyes were better to recognize the problem. She explained how the mouth and nose was next, but after experimentation, one was almost too much because the mouth and nose only got you into trouble. Then finally the ears, one on both sides, were deemed the most important because of the ability of hearing in problem solving. From this, Dr. Lindsey then goes on to explain why hearing and visualizing the concerns at hand, are of chief importance as a public health …show more content…
Lindsey focused on during her lecture was that of the American Indian/Alaska Native population. She talked about how knowing their history and culture makes a difference in the ability we have as a public health professional. Having this knowledge, will help us to better address public health concerns, such as obesity and unintended injuries in this population. One is introduced to the many identity issues that American Indians/Alaska Natives might feel because of their forced assimilation. There may be feelings of anger and humiliation present in the population that surfaced after assimilation that are still present today. Over time, there develops a disconnect between the population who was affected by forced assimilation and American Indians today, who are not informed of their culture. From a public health prospective, I can relate this information in the field, when working with American Indians directly and realizing these concerns. This will better help me connect with different groups and be sensitive to some of the issues that arise. As a public health professional, I can take all these things that I have learned in Dr. Lindsey’s lecture and apply it not only directly with American Indian/Alaska Natives, but indirectly as well. Knowing the history and some of the struggles American Indians face will allow for me to better connect with my work and the public health concerns that are to be