American Indian Health: Historical Perspectives, Current Issues, and Future Directions

This course provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the health and healthcare issues facing Native American communities in the United States. Students will gain an understanding of the historical, social, cultural, and political factors that shape the health status of American Indian populations, with an emphasis on the unique challenges and disparities they face. Topics include the impact of colonization, Indigenous perspectives of wellbeing, and government policies on Native health, as well as contemporary issues such as access to healthcare, mental health, substance use, and chronic disease management.