Background: The United States instituted the reservation system as a matter of policy regarding its indigenous people around 150 years ago (Flanders, 1998). A largely unnoticed shift has been occurring, wherein for the first time since this period in US history, more American Indians (AIs) are residing off of reservations than on. Through previous research, I noted how internal migration of family members had a definite affect on the elders of Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. Objectives: I therefore extended this inquiry into geographically and culturally dissimilar Minnesota and North Dakota people to: 1) provide a detailed picture of recent AI migration, and 2) discover the impact of that migration on Plains elders. Methods: GIS (Geographical Information Systems) mapping techniques were used to provide a systematic picture of this migration, coupled with a qualitative approach toward understanding the determinants and consequences of migration from AI perspectives from ethnographic interviews and focus groups. Both urban and rural sites were used. Results: There has been ongoing movement within the AI population. It is at once internal and external migration in this unique group. Effects on the elders have infiltrated all aspects of their lives. Understanding this movement and the determinants and consequences should inform gerontologic decision-making.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will gain a detailed view of American Indian (AI) migration in two states, ND and MN and the impact of that migration on the elders. 2. Participants will be able to recognize the existence of a largely unseen shift of AIs to off-reservation sites. Additionally, a sense of push and pull determinants can be articulated, including the trend of re-migration. 3. The learner should be able to Identify reasons for elders being non-movers, movers, or re-movers. Also, Long-term care planners and others should be able to evaluate the best programs to base in urban vs reservation areas for AI elders.
Keywords: Aging, Indigenous Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.