The Native American/Choctaw Nation Culture Essay Example

silence, give them time to think and respond. During silence, it is very important to continue to be an active listener. Also, direct eye contact may be considered rude.

Verbally, it is inappropriate to ask questions in a direct manner, expecting an immediate response, from people whom [they] don’t know very well. (Heit,1987). They also have a greater requirement for personal space, and touch is sometimes unacceptable unless one knows the person well (Flowers,2005). Although, English is spoken by the majority of the Choctaw Nation tribe they also have their own Choctaw language that can be used to communicate with other members of the tribe.

This is especially true for the interviewee and his family. Members can not only speak English, but they can also read and write it as well. An interpreter is only needed for listeners who cannot understand the English spoken by the older generation of Choctaw Natives. Usually, the interpreter is someone they can trust, like a family member or close friend. Upon greeting a Native American from the Choctaw tribe it is very important to use kind gestures such as a firm handshake or using the Choctaw word “Halito” meaning hello.

Religion

Many of the Native Americans from the Choctaw Nation tribe practice traditional religion, [which is] a belief in the Great Spirit (Flowers, 2005). They also adapted to Christianity and practice a mixture of both. Spirits, both good and evil, pay a major role in their culture.

The Choctaw maintain a deep faith in supernatural forces linking humans and other living creatures. The importance of maintaining harmony with nature , fellowmen, and the supernatural world is central to Choctaw beliefs (Choctaw - Religion and

Expressive Culture, 2018).

Beliefs and Practices

Research shows that among the Choctaw Nation tribe there are number of important beliefs and practices. Men and women have their own roles within this culture. Men were the providers, they hunted animals for food and clothing, protected their families and they are head of the household. Women, on the other hand, were the farmers and caregivers for their families. The elders in the family are highly respected, looked upon for advice, and cared for by younger family members.

In contrast the roles are slightly different now according to the interviewee Mr. Leflore, the men and women both work to provide for their families, men are still the head of household and women are still considered the caregivers in the family. Research also show that during pregnancy the women consume a healthy diet and maintain good health to ensure a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

In addition to caring for the body in pregnancy, it is extremely important to care for the mind and spirit because it is seen as a spiritual event. Choctaw women required little to no assistance during delivery and only women were allowed to be present during delivery of a baby (Harley, 2104). Mr. Leflore reported a slightly different finding, women do take care of themselves during pregnancy but if extra assistance is available to ease the process of labor such as epidural then that is acceptable.

Research shows that when a member of this tribe dies they must remain as whole as possible, autopsies and organ donations are not allowed and women from the family must prepare body for the journey to the other side (Flowers, 2005). On

the other hand, the interviewee reported that most believe that ones who pass remain next to them and guide through life. Leflore also stated that it was very important for the family to dig the grave and cover the deceased themselves (C. Leflore, personal communication, October 25, 2018).

Nutrition

The Choctaw were farming people. Choctaw women did most of the farming, harvesting crops of corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers. Choctaw men did most of the hunting, shooting deer, wild turkeys, and small game. Men also caught fish in the rivers, lakes, and sea coasts. Choctaw recipes included cornbread, soups, and stews cooked on stone hearths (Choctaw Indian Fact Sheet, 2018). In contrast, Leflore stated that when it comes to nutrition [for him and his family] culturally there are no influences or restrictions on what they eat, they usually eat a wide variety of foods.

Healthcare

Health practices among the Choctaw Nation tribe are balanced between physical, mental and spiritual health. Most believe that illness is a result of both natural and supernatural causes. Medicine men with medicine bags served as doctors in this particular culture. The medicine men can be grandfathered in which come from a long line of medicine men or they can be spiritually ordained to become a medicine man.

There are normally no gender defined medicine man but majority of which are men. They used herbal remedies, prayer and chanting to heal members of the tribe. Medicine men are considered both priest and doctor. As compensation, the healer was paid both with services and provisions, including food, shelter and other resources (Native American Medicine, 2018). In the present day, Choctaw Nation have their own healthcare system that

includes wellness centers, clinics and even hospitals, for members of the Choctaw Nation tribe.

It also provides insurance at no cost to them. This is beneficial because majority of the members prefer health caregivers from their own culture with similar practices and beliefs. Leflore stated that if healthcare is needed then he wouldn’t mind another race taking providing healthcare to him (C. Leflore, personal communication, October 25, 2018).

Conclusion

The Native American/Choctaw Nation culture is one of a kind. The history, characteristics, communication, religion, beliefs and practices, nutrition, and healthcare are all important in understanding their culture.

References

1. Choctaw Indian Fact Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bigorrin.org/choctaw_kids.htm
2. Choctaw - Religion and Expressive Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.everyculture.com/North-America/Choctaw-Religion-and-Expressive-Culture.html
3. Flowers, D. L. (2005, February 01). Culturally Competent Nursing Care for American Indian Clients in a Critical Care Setting. Retrieved from http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/25/1/45.full
4. Harley, M. (2014, November 17). Series: Welcoming All Families: Supporting the Native American Family. Retrieved from https://www.scienceandsensibility.org/blog/series-welcoming-all-families-supporting-the-native-american-family
5. Heit, M. (1987, March). COMMUNICATION STYLES OF INDIAN PEOPLES. Retrieved from https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/lpsc_wksp_2007/resources/heit_report.pdf
6. Leflore, C. (2018, October 25). Native American/Choctaw Culture [Personal interview].