Using Culturally Relevant Approaches with Native Survivors of Violence: Facilitators and Challenges in Offering 'culturally Honoring Services'

Background and Purpose: Research has established the promise of culturally relevant service provision for Indigenous communities in improving a range of outcomes. However, there is relatively little research on using culturally relevant approaches in tribal victim services to address violence against Indigenous women.

This paper addresses these gaps by exploring factors that support tribal advocacy programs in successfully implementing ‘culturally honoring services’ (a culturally relevant service approach) with survivors of violence, and by providing insight into how they navigate challenges.

Methods: In partnership with a statewide tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalition, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 individuals working in 10 federally recognized tribes in Michigan. Our sample is predominantly Native American (63.2%; 36.8% non-Native), with many participants serving tribes they are members of (47.4%). All participants are female. Participants were recruited via email through our partnership with the coalition. Interviews sought respondents’ insights on their culturally relevant approach and key resources and challenges. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded thematically using an abductive approach, and guided by the principles of reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Our analysis reveals that what participants’ termed, ‘culturally honoring services’ departs from discrete programmatic focused approaches often associated with culturally relevant services. It is an overarching approach that emphasizes clients’ agency and cultural diversity, and acknowledges the impact of historical trauma. Interviewees emphasize that they take a flexible, relational approach, following clients’ lead in understanding when and how cultural practices are integrated into services. This personalized approach supports culturally relevant service provision because many Native practitioners and clients alike express a relationship with Native traditions complicated by historical trauma, which often impacted cultural connections.

At the systems and community level, participants often cited supportive peer networks and tribal resources as aids in integrating culture. Peers were especially important in offering support in navigating challenges and offering guidance on cultural practices. While funding was often successfully secured for culturally relevant services, grant restrictions could sometimes restrict tribes ability to use funds in alignment with cultural norms. Similarly, while tribes often provided supportive infrastructure, working in tight-knit communities could raise confidentiality or safety concerns in providing cultural services.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings suggest education on culturally relevant approaches should emphasize sensitivity to the legacy of historical trauma present in Native communities. Training should acknowledge a spectrum of cultural knowledge and readiness to engage in culturally relevant services, for both clients and practitioners. Peer-support networks should be encouraged and financed appropriately. Funding entities should consult with tribes to ensure grant guidelines accommodate common cultural practices like gifting or the purchase of food for ceremonies.