Historical Ignorance

Amazing how little some Euro Americans understand about the indigenous population and history of the country they live in. This holds true even for those who are to closely collaborate with indigenous nations to help better the health situation of local indigenous groups. They are “inbreds” a government representative working in mental health in Olympia, WA commented during a recent interview when discussing alcohol issues with the tribes. The government expert who described herself to be “a white girl”, gave a purely biomedical explanation for alcohol and mental health problems amongst the tribes. Leaving socio- cultural factors completely out of the discussion.
How come there can be such an incredible ignorance about the traumatic effects of colonization and the devastating effects colonization had and still has on indigenous health?
Educating stakeholders who work with the tribes and are responsible for managing funds is highly needed to render communication possible.