Do Native American and Hispanic women maintain their cultural identity in an interracial marriage?

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine whether Native American and Hispanic women can preserve cultural identity in interracial marriages. Four women participated in this research: A Native American woman married to an Anglo; two Hispanic women married to Anglos; and a woman of Hispanic and Native American ancestry married to a Native American. Each participant provided information regarding the level of knowledge of family history, ancestry, language, traditions and practices. Primary research found social identity was another indicator, as the social setting in an environment affects stability and permanence of a cultural identity. The findings indicate preservation of cultural identity in future generations from interracial marriages depends upon a community that can articulate and pass on a level of knowledge of family history, ancestry, language, traditions and practices. Such a community will consist of one or both parents, family members, members of the community, and the children themselves.