ABSTRACT
This chapter examines contemporary issues for Native Americans, beginning with an overview of the Native American population and a discussion of contemporary values and cultures. This is followed by an exploration of tensions between contemporary expressions of Indigenous nationhood and ongoing federal paternalism. The impact of multifaceted manifestations of racism is explored, as are activism, wellness, resilience, and healing. Contemporary experiences of Indigenous Peoples within the larger global context are also investigated. Beyond this general foundation, a more in-depth examination of specific issues is provided in subsequent chapters on child and family wellbeing, elders and veterans, education, health, and economic and community development.
