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Article
The Importance of Identity, History, and Culture in the Wellbeing of Indigenous Youth
The Journal of History of Childhood and Youth (2009)
  • Lisa Wexler, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Abstract
Alaska Native youth suffer disproportionately from suicide. Some researchers explain this by pointing to social disintegration brought on by rapid social change, but few make the connection to an ongoing colonialism explicit. This paper articulates some of the ways that colonial discourses affect Inupiat young people's self-conceptions, perceived choices, and, consequently, their behavioral health. Inupiat youth narratives will illustrate these connections and, in so doing, offer new ways to understand youth suicide in Native communities.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring 2009
Citation Information
Lisa Wexler. "The Importance of Identity, History, and Culture in the Wellbeing of Indigenous Youth" The Journal of History of Childhood and Youth Vol. 16 Iss. 1 (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/lisa_wexler/2/