Yakama Indian Community Reinforces Cultural Traditions to Prevent Alcohol Use

In White Swan, Wash., a rural low-income community on the Yakama indian reservation, most youth aren´t familiar with the cultural traditions and values of their ancestors. Now, a new effort implemented by community leaders on the reservation is reacquainting youth with their cultural history in the hopes of preventing alcohol and drug use.

A recent school survey found high rates of alcohol use among eighth graders in White Swan, with 23 percent reporting alcohol use in the past 30 days–significantly higher than the state average. To address the problem, community leaders worked with schools to implement a culturally-based approach developed by White Bison, an American Indian organization that offers sobriety, recovery, addictions prevention, and wellness/Wellbriety learning resources to Native American communities nationwide. The Sons and Daughters of Tradition curriculum teaches youth principles and values taught by American Indian elders so that youth can learn to value and believe in themselves.

“Because of the Yakama’s history when families were torn apart, all of the traditional and cultural values were destroyed,” explained Nancy Fiander, Community Coordinator of White Swan’s SPF-SIG grant. “The White Bison’s Sons and Daughters of Tradition strenghthens kids self esteem so that they don’t act out of hurt or anger.”

Twice a week, youth learn how to live the traditional way of life. They learn customs that can help them resist the pressures to use drugs and alcohol and learn to view themselves more positively.

Fiander said the initiative also helps youth feel like they are not alone, and provides youth with a positive way to live their lives.

“If youth don’t have a positive network or family, they often turn to alcohol, drugs or gangs. This gives them something positive to do and provides them a positive life alternative,” she noted.

Other reservations that have used the curriculum have reported positive results, and community leaders hope that this, coupled with environmental strategies to reduce the accessibility of alcohol, can help youth stay on the right path. “When you use strategies that reinforce tradition and culture, it can be a positive prevention tool,” Fiander said.