American Indian Cultural Identity: How American Indian Youth Deals with Cultural Identification Issues through Writing and Successful Pedagogy

Abstract

The Writing Workshop exposed me to the complicated identification issues faced by all American Indian students and how students as well as society at large are dealing with these issues. Even more importantly, I learned the value and some successful tactics for culturally sensitive education. In order to foster successful education of Native American students, as well as students of all ethnic groups, teachers must become culturally sensitive and 'responsive' to their students. Education must consciously refrain from Eurocentric educational ideas and promote positive self-concept and knowledge of one's heritage and background. This self-concept can be powerfully achieved through the development of writing, as demonstrated by the workshop. Through writing, students can develop both the cultural and self awareness absolutely necessary to address, combat, and achieve success in dealing with the prevalent identity issues faced by American Indians in today's society.