American Indian End Of Life Beliefs Essay
American Indian End of Life
Beliefs
American Indians have a unique culture that expands from hundreds of years ago. This culture has led them to all having a unique end of life practices as well as beliefs. American Indians typically do not believe in Heaven or Hell. Nevertheless, there are numerous tribes with an assortment of beliefs on end of life processes (Native American Afterlife, 2015). A common belief among many groups of American Indians is when a member of their tribe passes, their soul passes on into the spirit world. They believe that they will still be able to communicate with their loved one through dreams or through the intercession of medicine people (Handbook of Patients’ Spiritual, 2013). Some tribes believe the land of the afterlife is more structured with a higher being ruling over the souls that have passed on. A less common belief, but one that is still predominant in some tribes, is the belief that the dead pass on and become part of the earth if their bodies are not disturbed from peace. Conversely, some groups …show more content…
Many American Indians have a certain end of life ritual they would like to carry out before their loved one passes on. Many tribes believe they need to provide the spirit with essentials that are needed in the afterlife so they will leave their loved one with food, jewelry, tools, and weapons (Handbook of Patients’ Spiritual, 2013). Another practice is for them to leave the body open in a tree or funeral platform to natural elements and let it decompose on its’ own. There are some Native Americans that follow a different faith which makes it important to question your patient about their preferences. After the arrival of Europeans, many Native Americans were converted to Christianity (Guidelines for Health Care, 2004). Christian American Indians may ask for a priest along with private time for
Beliefs
American Indians have a unique culture that expands from hundreds of years ago. This culture has led them to all having a unique end of life practices as well as beliefs. American Indians typically do not believe in Heaven or Hell. Nevertheless, there are numerous tribes with an assortment of beliefs on end of life processes (Native American Afterlife, 2015). A common belief among many groups of American Indians is when a member of their tribe passes, their soul passes on into the spirit world. They believe that they will still be able to communicate with their loved one through dreams or through the intercession of medicine people (Handbook of Patients’ Spiritual, 2013). Some tribes believe the land of the afterlife is more structured with a higher being ruling over the souls that have passed on. A less common belief, but one that is still predominant in some tribes, is the belief that the dead pass on and become part of the earth if their bodies are not disturbed from peace. Conversely, some groups …show more content…
Many American Indians have a certain end of life ritual they would like to carry out before their loved one passes on. Many tribes believe they need to provide the spirit with essentials that are needed in the afterlife so they will leave their loved one with food, jewelry, tools, and weapons (Handbook of Patients’ Spiritual, 2013). Another practice is for them to leave the body open in a tree or funeral platform to natural elements and let it decompose on its’ own. There are some Native Americans that follow a different faith which makes it important to question your patient about their preferences. After the arrival of Europeans, many Native Americans were converted to Christianity (Guidelines for Health Care, 2004). Christian American Indians may ask for a priest along with private time for