Incorporating Cultural Themes to Promote Critical Thinking in American Indian/Native Alaskan Children and Adolescents

Abstract

In this curriculum, critical thinking training will focus on acquiring critical thinking skills using Diné storytelling. The goal is to address behaviors affecting educational and vocational outcomes, family relationships, and connection with the larger community. It is believed that illness results from an imbalance between the fundamental components of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, which is caused by witchcraft, bad air, and ancestral spirits (Okozi et al., 2016). Conversely, healing methods use herbal remedies and spiritual ceremonies to try to bring the body, mind, and soul back into harmony. Treatments recommended by culture healers and community elders include circles of sharing, educating, and storytelling, which are also important components of mental health treatment.