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In August, the National Council on Disability released a report, People with Disabilities on Tribal Lands: Education, Health Care, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Independent Living. It documents the significant, unmet needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) with disabilities living on tribal lands.
The report reflects the results of a project developed in collaboration with AI/AN representatives of people with disabilities, their families, and tribal community leaders. The project examined research on health, rehabilitation, independent living, and education issues. Recommendations include recognition of the unique legal and socioeconomic environment of tribal communities; an understanding of various AI/AN cultures and history that shape each community; and strategies for improving services at community (local), state, and federal levels. These strategies include the development of culturally appropriate tools using model approaches.
Thirty-five states have federal reservations within or overlapping state borders. The federal government officially recognizes 560 tribes and Alaska native villages. A complex weave of federal disability laws, tribal sovereignty, tribal cultures, perspectives of AI/AN people with disabilities, and diverse economic and physical environments interacts with all aspects of health services.
According to the report, the estimated disability prevalence rate is 22 percent. Every type of disability found in the general population is also found in the AI/AN population. The types of disabilities include: spinal cord injury, diabetes complications, blindness, traumatic brain injury, deafness or hard-of-hearing, orthopedic conditions, learning disabilities, emotional or mental health concerns, and alcoholism or drug dependence.
Several tribes have specific programs that have effectively improved access, protections, and services for people with disabilities. These programs have six key elements. They are: effective program leadership characteristics, responsiveness to the consumer, innovation in removing barriers, effective collaboration, advocacy strength, and support from tribal leadership. The report also identifies fifteen major areas of findings and corresponding specific recommendations to improve government-to-government relationships.
People with Disabilities on Tribal Lands: Education, Health Care, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Independent Living (96p.) is available in print, online, and in alternative formats from the National Council on Disability, 1331 F Street NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20004, (202)- 272-2004. <www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/tribal_lands.html>.
In addition, a resource guide for use by consumers, tribal communities, and officials at state, local, and federal levels was also produced. Understanding Disabilities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Toolkit Guide (126p.) is available in print and online at <www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/native_toolkit.html>.
In September, IMLS awarded $888,000 to 238 Native American tribal communities and Alaska native villages to improve basic library services and collections and provide professional assistance. In addition, $1.7 million was awarded to thirteen Native American tribal communities and Alaska native villages to improve library services and to preserve and disseminate knowledge about their respective communities. For a listing of grant recipients organized by state, go to <www.imls.gov/ whatsnew/stategrants0703.htm>. For information and deadlines regarding grants for 2004, go to <www.imls.gov/grants/library/lib_nat.asp>.
Alison R. Freese has been appointed senior grants specialist for Native American Library Services grants at IMLS. She is managing the basic grants, professional assistance, and enhancement grants, as well as the Native Hawaiian Library Services grant programs. Dr. Freese has been a leader in tribal library program development and grant administration. She was with the New Mexico State Library for the past five years and developed a collaborative partnership with the tribal libraries in the New Mexico Pueblo communities and the state library.
At the joint conference of the American Library Association and Canadian Library Association in June 2003, Dr. Lotsee Patterson received the first "Honoring Our Elders Distinguished Service Award." This award recognizes significant and continuous service to the American Indian Library Association (AILA), Indian communities, and a lifelong commitment to improving library services to American Indian/Alaska Native peoples. As noted in Cognotes, June 23, 2003, "Dr. Patterson is an exemplary recipient for this award. She has been one of the strongest advocates for library services to Native communities. Her many contributions include the establishment of tribal libraries in New Mexican Pueblo communities."
Dr. Patterson is a faculty member of the University of Oklahoma School of Library and Information Studies. While continuing to teach, she conducts research on library and information services and resources for Native American tribes. She travels as a volunteer consultant to help establish tribal libraries.
The American Library Association (ALA)/Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) committee on Library Service to Special Population Children and their Caregivers presented a program,"Serving Native American/First Nation Youth Populations in Libraries," during the ALA annual conference in Toronto. Three members of this committee compiled the annotated bibliography, Serving Native American/First Nation Youth Populations in Libraries: Selected Information Resources. It consists of Practitioner Books, Children's Books by or about Native Americans: an Annotated Bibliography, and Native American Nonbook Titles. This bibliography is available online at <www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ALSC/Resources/ For_Librarians_and_Educators/Serving_Native_American_Youth/ Serving_Native_American_Youth.htm>.
Children's Books by or about Native Americans: an Annotated Bibliography was compiled by Patricia Steelman, children's librarian at NLS. It covers twenty-one titles added to the NLS children's collection for kindergarten through grade 8 during the last five years.
November is Native American Heritage month.
Updated January 20, 2004
