Tribal Wisdom and Sustainable Solutions: Addressing the Native American Housing Crisis through a Focus on Tribal Worldview and Sustainability

Abstract

Examining the correlation between housing conditions and social inequalities among Native American communities reveals a striking manifestation of the ongoing crisis. This issue demands an analysis of its underlying reasons, the development of culturally sensitive solutions, and an evaluation of current methods in use. This research aims to seeks to understand the complexities of the Native American Housing Crisis through the analysis of: the historical, systemic, and socioeconomic roots of this crisis; the effectiveness of existing housing programs and policies to meet the self-determined needs of Native American communities within culturally specific frameworks; possible culturally-responsive solutions to empower tribes in developing and implementing a housing solution that is financially sustainable; the mandates, challenges, and opportunities that constitute the Native American Housing Crisis. Using oral communication and an autoethnography approach, this study identifies the longstanding need for sustainable housing, offering pathways for the positive reconstruction of Native American communities.