ABSTRACT

Data from this preliminary study, the American Indian – Dads and Daughters Survey, shed light on how American Indian fathers think and feel about their relationships with their daughters. Respondents represent an array of tribal affiliations, age, occupations, socioeconomic status, and geographical/geopolitical locations, helping to ensure that these data are relevant across a broad spectrum of Indian Country. Among the many insights into the relationships revealed in these data are common themes involving spirituality, identity, and adherence to cultural values. These insights may help educators, and others, who work with American Indian families, gain a greater awareness and understanding of how the relationships between American Indian fathers and their daughters impact both traditional American Indian communities as well as more mainstream westernized American Indian communities.