Overview

In Native American communities, the role of grandparent has always been not only a cherished one, but also one of privilege. As part of their tradition, grandparents are expected to serve as important models and communicators of customs, culture and language necessary for their community’s vitality. This includes discipline, morals, and position or connectiveness to the community. Yet over the years, the extent to which they are involved has changed, sometimes creating a role from which one once got much enjoyment to one in which grandparents are overwhelmed because of the extent to which they are involved, more recently due to the absence of the child’s own parents. Never before have we seen grandparents involved at the levels they are today, including with children’s education, healthcare, and socialization. But some of this is out of necessity, an effort to fill a void left by their own children.

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