In, "Native American Identity", by Perry G. Horse we are informed on the matters of living in a society that focuses on the "white man" while being indigenous. Further introducing topics such as the following: identity, white privilege, cultural assimilation. Furthering this question of identity Perry G. Horse begs the question of what we as indigenous peoples should go by such as American Indian, Native American, or Indigenous. While touching base on how the new generation is more involved in the whiter society with the purchase of frozen packaged foods, an example brought up by the writer's grandmother.

I never realized how much we as indigenous people are involved with the newer society. To think long ago that many had their farms, designed and provided their clothing while participating in our cultural traditions such as dancing, singing, praying. Now because of cultural assimilation over time, we altered our way of occasional clothing and our diets. Of course, I have grown up dressing in a simple tee with a pair of jeans and sneakers and downing a few chicken nuggets with a Sprite so that has just been the norm. When participating in my cultural traditions it is only for some time then I go back to the new reality set in place by a society in which we as native people are viewed off from the norm when participating in our culture. I had not realized all this until reading Perry G. Horse, "Native American Identity."

Within writing, "Sharing One Skin: Okanagan Community", Jeanette Armstrong, an indigenous woman from British Columbia, manages to inform and explain how the mainstream and Okanagan view the community differently. While translating Armstrong's language from Okanagan to English describing how the language (Okanagan) connects to one's spiritual, emotional, and physical self. Later describing how she (Armstrong) and her people are connected not with just each other but the land itself. Later introducing the conflict with technology further explaining the interference it (technology) has with one's emotional bond and explaining the digression.

While reading Jeanette Armstrong, "Sharing One Skin: Okanagan Community," I felt a sense of guilt. I grew up in North Carolina for the first five years of my life and was surrounded by the culture of my Eastern Cherokee side. Within those years I learned the language and cultural dances along with the folk tales of my tribe. I would later move to Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico to begin a new chapter. Now within that chapter, I had slowly forgotten all my teachings; it could have been my young brain's way of making room for the new language, cultural dances, and news stories I were to be learning in this new place. I later grew up, not obtaining the new language being Tewa and forgetting the old, Cherokee. Later growing up to lose interest and hope caused me to strain farther from the language side of things, leading me to focus more on other things such as technology.

Note: sexual assault can happen to anyone, in this article the main focus is adult female survivors of sexual assault

By definition sexual assault, “is any sort of sexual activity between two people or more in which one of the people is involved against his/her (their) will.” Sexual activity pertaining to unwanted touching, grabbing, oral sex, anal sex, sexual penetration with an object, and/or sexual intercourse. Some ways female survivors can/may be involved in sexual assault are pressured from an authority figure (Doctor, Boss, Teacher, etc.), bribed, manipulated, the inability to consent (under the influence of alcohol or drugs), the aggressor may threaten to hurt the victim or their loved ones. Aggressors may also use physical force and/or violence.

It is commonly thought to be that aggressors are strangers, yet a survey, “National Crime Victimization,” conducted by the U.S Department of Justice found that only 18% of aggressors were strangers. The majority (76%) being a person the survivors may know, such as a current/former husband, cohabiting partner, friend, and/or date. Now figuring out the rates of sexual assault (against adult female survivors) proves to be a bit tough. Due to many elements rendering women from coming forward, however, there are statistics out there that show how big of an issue sexual assault is. An extensive survey conducted within several college campuses found that 20% of women reported having been raped. As discussed before, “The National Crime Survivorsization survey estimated about 500,000 sexual assaults occurred across the u.s from the year 1992-1993”. About one-third of those 500,000 reported cases were completed rapes, and 23% were attempted rapes. These women (along with others who may have fallen survivors of sexual assault) tend to face many mental health issues along with risking their physical health. After experiencing sexual assault women can face a wide range of reactions. Some may start showing early signs of depression, they may also express a rise in anger, others exemplify a sign of shame or guilt, sexual problems, or show trouble with social interactions, and/or begin drug/alcohol use. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) develops when one goes through a traumatic event, and one study had shown PTSD symptoms amongst women who were sexually assaulted; “94% of women experienced these symptoms during the two weeks immediately following the rape.”

From reading the article alone you can see that there are high chances that survivors of sexual assault show signs of PTSD and/or other forms of mental health issues. Along with many survivors not reporting the crimes done against them that you may infer that some survivors could be our own family and/or friends. With no way of knowing for certain, it is important to be mindful of others' personal space to not cause any distress.

Survivors of sexual assault may develop symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), examples being nightmares, intrusive thoughts, memories, the constant feeling of being in danger, and distrusting others. Some may risk suffering from eating disorders, major depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), Generalized anxiety disorder, and possible substance abuse. Those who have experienced sexual assault at an even younger age have a higher risk. Possible physical effects for younger survivors: arthritis, chronic pelvic pain, digestive problems, non-epileptic seizures, and maybe even intense premenstrual symptoms. Sexual health may also be at risk, enjoying sex can be more difficult, along with a drop in sexual desire.

When faced with someone who has been through such a traumatic event as sexual assault you most likely have no clue as to what is going on, how they may currently be feeling, or what they may be going through. I'm sure many react in different ways. It can be overwhelming, now it's progressive to understand the issue at hand so we can find a solution. Mental health is very important, it affects our feelings and ways of thinking; not only internally but physically as well examples being when one has severe depression they may have the lack of motivation to do things they would regularly do such as eat, brush their teeth, or even take a shower. Following up with the constant fear and/or the distrust in others these may be signs of anxiety. Anxiety can cause those to live in constant fear leading to staying home or in a safe space in which they never leave. What may also be plausible is the struggle to form a healthy relationship (romantically, platonically). Many handle traumatic events differently and although we may not fully understand all we can offer is our love and support and be there, even just to listen.