Resources
Fall 2022 Panel
Occupational Therapy for Native Americans (OTNA), a member of the MDI Network, is hosting a panel for Native American
Heritage Month.
“Aho! How Indigenous-created media is busting myths about Native roles, routines, and occupational participation.”
Time: Nov 13, 2022 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please email to receive a recording of this panel
In addition to what is below, we also share resources (e.g. scholarships, conferences/webinars, intervention ideas, history, current events, research studies) on social media:
Table of Contents
Scholarships
American Indian College Fund The American Indian College Fund provides more scholarships to Native American and Alaska Native students each year than any other non-profit organization. The American Indian College Fund also provides financial support to the nation’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities. For more information, call 1-800-776-FUND, write to American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Boulevard, Denver, CO 80221 or send email to scholarships@collegefund.org.
Tribal Offices Another good source of financial aid is the student’s tribe. Some tribes have scholarships for their members, although the awards are usually for very small amounts. Very often if a student does not qualify for a BIA/OIEP grant, the tribe will award a “tribal” scholarship. Each tribe handles its own funding differently, with different award amounts and deadlines, so it is best to contact the tribe directly.
Indian Health Service (IHS) The IHS web site provides information about the IHS Scholarship Program and the IHS Loan Repayment Program. The IHSSP Indian Health Service Scholarship provides full tuition and fees, books, uniforms, equipment, travel, insurance, national board exams, travel for clinical training, and a stipend for students majoring in health professions, engineering, and accounting.
American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) AISES has long been the front-runner in Native American education and issues. Other AISES web pages include the AISES Scholarship Programs page.
Indian Resource Development (IRD) New Mexico State University’s IRD publishes a booklet entitled Sources of Financial Aid Available to American Indian Students. The booklet is free to New Mexico students and $4 for students from other states.
Relevant research studies looking for participants
Supporting Native Fathers in Early Intervention Programs
This study aims to identify the role of Occupational Therapy in supporting paternal wellness through routines and activities, following the transition of their children into Early Intervention services.
To participate in this study, you must Identify as a father of a child that has received or Early Intervention Services within the last 3 years Identify as Native American, regardless of tribe affiliation
Participation involves: 10 minute survey; Opportunity to participate in a 45-60 minute one on one interview at your convenience. Participation will help healthcare providers better understand the experiences of the father from a culturally appropriate perspective
All participants will be entered into a raffle for a child's size ribbon skirt or ribbon Tshirt.
THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE FOR HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, THOSE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE INSTITUTION-WIDE IRB CHAIR, DR. LORI KUPCZYNSKI, EMAIL: LKUPCZYNSKI@USA.EDU, PHONE: 904-330-1559.
To participate please contact Kneka Evans at k.evans@usa.edu
Resource Guide for Clinicians Providing Gender Affirming Care
Various Groups/Opportunities:
AOTA Fellowship Directory
https://www.aota.org/career/career-center/fellowship-program/fellowship-directory
Fellowships available in the following practice areas:
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) 2018 Position Statement
Because the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) does not have a statement on working appropriately and effectively with indigenous communities in the United States, here is a statement from Canada.
Excerpt: "The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) acknowledges the impact of colonialism and ongoing injustices perpetrated by this history. CAOT also acknowledges the wisdom of the resolutions in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) and the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015). At this crucial juncture in Canada’s history, occupational therapists are well positioned to support and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples."
Note: the CAOT document advises to avoid the term "Native", but that may be a Canada-specific recommendation, as "Native" is preferred (over Indian, American Indian) by many indigenous people in the United States. See FAQ page for additional notes on terminology.
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU)
There are 35 accredited TCUs in North America, operating 75 campuses in 16 states. Sixteen TCUs offer baccalaureate programs and five have master’s degree programs.
"Serving more than 15,000 students and 100,000 community members annually, they provide access to higher education for more than 80% of Indian Country. American Indians comprise approximately 86% of the student body at TCUs and 44% of the faculty. As public institutions of higher education, TCUs are chartered by their respective tribes or by the federal government. Their mission is to protect and sustain tribal lands, languages, cultures, and sovereignty and to restore identity and pride in each one of their students." (Tribal College Journal, 2019)
Click the red link to see the 2019-2020 guide of all TCU degree programs. If you're more of a spreadsheet person (sorting by location, cost, degrees, etc) we also created a Google Sheet (click the arrow in the top right of the sheet to open in a new window)
