American Indian Culture and Research Journal

Recent initiatives implemented by the Indian Health Service target health promotion and disease prevention as service goals for the 1990s. In partial support of these initiatives, the Indian Health Service sponsored a research planning meeting in September 1988. The meeting was intended to initiate thought on research priorities consistent with the initiatives, to identify a cadre of American Indian scholars interested in health promotion and disease prevention, and to frame a research training agenda for a follow-up meeting with the identified scholars. Budget constraints led to cancellation of the second meeting as originally planned. However, in collaboration with the National Institute for Drug Abuse, the Indian Health Service sponsored an alternative meeting in September 1989. Unfortunately, the focus of the meeting shifted from priorities in health promotion and disease prevention to training for research careers in the field of drug abuse. At first glance, one cannot argue with the change in focus. Drug abuse is certainly a vital research concern. Little is known or written about its extent and impact in Indian communities. Dr. Joseph Trimble, an American Indian psychologist, noted that through September 1989 only fifteen research articles had been published on American Indian drug abuse and that nine of these were reviews of literature. Dr. Trimble built a compelling case supporting a need for drug abuse research. However, few of the presentations were as culturally germane and enlightening as Dr. Trimble’s. Most presenters harped on application procedures in efforts to hone individual skills for writing research grants. While useful, this approach did not satisfy the aspirations of the visiting scholars. Midway through the meeting, in a polite and refreshing manner, American Indians objected to research paradigms that failed to account for unalterable cultural factors which are essential conditions overlooked by most research. While this diversion did little to influence the direction of research at the National Institute for Drug Abuse, it does serve as important commentary for health-related research.