CULTURE IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT
By: Kendra Gray
With regard to Native enculturation and self-identity, there are at least four Native "cultural-self" definitions:
1. A "traditional" Native supports and lives the traditional way of life through use of foods,
medicines, social organization, ceremonies, and communication, and is happy with this
way of life.
2. An "assimilated" Native supports and lives the modern, dominant society way of life
through use of foods, social organization, and communication and is happy with this way
of life.
3. A "transitional" Native identity fluctuates between traditional and dominant society, and
often exhibits dysfunctional ways of living. The transitional individual is not committed
to either culture and may be unhappy, uncertain, or unaware of his or her own lifestyle.
He or she is often abusive, substance addicted, manifests low self-esteem and lack of
personal stability.
4. A "bi-cultural" Native person lives and supports both traditional and dominant society
ways of living. The bi-cultural person uses both traditional and dominant society foods,
medicines, and social organization, and may engage in both clan and nuclear family
patterns. In contrast to the other identities, the bi-cultural individual has reconciled
cultural differences and is at peace with reconciliation.
1. A "traditional" Native supports and lives the traditional way of life through use of foods,
medicines, social organization, ceremonies, and communication, and is happy with this
way of life.
2. An "assimilated" Native supports and lives the modern, dominant society way of life
through use of foods, social organization, and communication and is happy with this way
of life.
3. A "transitional" Native identity fluctuates between traditional and dominant society, and
often exhibits dysfunctional ways of living. The transitional individual is not committed
to either culture and may be unhappy, uncertain, or unaware of his or her own lifestyle.
He or she is often abusive, substance addicted, manifests low self-esteem and lack of
personal stability.
4. A "bi-cultural" Native person lives and supports both traditional and dominant society
ways of living. The bi-cultural person uses both traditional and dominant society foods,
medicines, and social organization, and may engage in both clan and nuclear family
patterns. In contrast to the other identities, the bi-cultural individual has reconciled
cultural differences and is at peace with reconciliation.