Abstract

Type II diabetes has become the number one cause of death within the Native American community. As a result of the false representation of this population, individual’s sense of identity is being negatively impacted, leading to a decrease in ones health, happiness, and sense of security. Before having the ability to prevent the advancement of this disease within the Native American population, we need to listen, and learn from the community members at risk, in order to recognize effective treatment, and program options. The current study strives to understand the perspectives of Native American students at The University of North Carolina Asheville. The question this study attempts to answer is “how do individuals’ personal connections with their Native American community and heritage shape their views and choices surrounding food?” Focus group discussions were undertaken with students who self-identify as Native American, with questions related to their food preferences, and perceptions of traditional foods, as well as identity. The results of this study include qualitative information regarding participants’ ideas concerning what traditional food entails, as well as the misrepresentations of their community. The major themes include individual’s awareness surrounding the damages the misreprentation of the Native American population has on its community members. Another prevailing theme proved to be the over abundance of fast-food restaurants on reservations, leading to a inability of individuals to have a choice surrounding dietary habits and patterns. By listening to the population at risk we can begin to establish a greater understanding of food culture, choices, and patterns, as well as the representation of the population through the lens of community members. This awareness will subsequently lead to an increase in effective programs; laterally leading to a decrease in the number of identifying Native Americans diagnosed with type II diabetes.

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