ABSTRACT
According to the National Congress of American Indians (2020), there are 574 sovereign tribal nations, located across 35 states, which have a formal nation-to-nation relationship with the U.S. government. Data from the 2010 U.S. Census (2011) showed that 33.9% of the total population of Native Peoples was under the age of 18. This chapter provides an overview of the current demographics of the Native population in the U.S. and specific historical events which continue to influence the lives of Native Peoples. Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child/Parent Relationship Training are offered as viable interventions to support the optimal growth and development of Native children. These common interventions are enhanced with Indigenous values adding meaningfulness within a relevant, respectful, historical, and cultural context.
