Indigenous youth who have experienced cyber-bullying were almost twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those who had not (Hinduja, Patchin, n.d.).

In celebration of October’s National Anti-Bullying efforts United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) revived it’s ‘Be A Hero’ initative. In 2018, the National UNITY Council’s Executive Committee passed a Resolution focused on traditional concepts that can be used to live a healthy lifestyle when faced with adversity: Healing, Empower, Respect and Overcome. UNITY hopes that Youth Councils will encourage others to “Be a Hero” in their home communities to the combat negative consequences associated with bullying. This doesn’t end with Nov 1st, be a hero all year long!  

Bullying is a problem for all kids, but it may be an even bigger problem in the Native American [Aboriginal] community” – Tanya Lee, Indian Country Today, May 30, 2011

Native youths are likely targeted because negative stereotypes and misconceptions about American Indians and Alaska Natives still exist. Such stereotypes encourage racist beliefs and behaviors. These stereotypes are difficult to eliminate, because they have become part of the accepted history of this country. After the taking of Indian lands and subsequent wars, the new United States government depicted the original Native inhabitants as inferior. Federal policies further marginalized Native peoples.

The UNITY Network Voted in 2020 on their top ten issues facing Native youth, and #5 most common response was “Bullying, gossiping, cultural bullying or lateral violence”.  Let’s work together to address this. In some homes, young Native people grow up witnessing the isolating effects of poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, and feeling “less than.” Without social supports, they may want to make themselves feel better and release their anger and frustration, so may resort to bullying others, including other AI/AN youth.

Generations of internalized systemic racism, such as Blood Quantum laws, Boarding School teachings or Dissenrollment practices also contribute to Native people bullying each other through lateral violence. Often those who have had to defend their identity will lash out on others to show their own “Nativeness.” Lateral violence and cultural bullying are a sign of unresolved traumas and identity insecurities surrounding belonging. With limited resources given to Tribal Governments, Tribes can turn on each other to prove that they are “more native than others” as a survival mechanism. The fighting over resources is often referred to as the “crabs in a bucket” mentality that Native youth can inherit from older generations. These negative coping skills are not traditional ways of identifying ourselves.

With the loss of cultural teachings over time, unhealthy lateral violence habits can be adopted to fill the void of self-worth that were once filled by coming of age ceremonies and communal recognition of belonging. At it’s core, those who hurt others are lacking a strong identity within themselves. Cyber-bullies or “Keyboard Warriors” often seek approval from their online followers, yet do not see the effects of their own pain being inflicted on other Native youth. UNITY youth expressed their concern with Cultural bullying. This type of bullying can happen when someone is bullied for not knowing their culture or being of “mixed blood” heritage. For example, if someone ridicules or embarrasses other Native youth for not  speaking their language, have “too dark” or “too pale” of skin, or making fun of youth who were never taught their traditions or taboos.

UNITY is a place of healing and inclusiveness. For this reason, we aim to address the hurt and root causes of bullying in all forms.
BE A HERO by educating yourself and your community with the following resources.

Indigenous Youth Cyber-bullying

“Cyber-bullies” feel that they are anonymous, giving them a sense of power and control that allows them to do and say things they would not normally say in the “real world.” In cyberspace, literally hundreds of perpetrators can get involved in the abuse (Hinduja, Patchin, n.d.).  Indigenous youth who are the victims of bullying experience the same feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness as if they were being bullied face-to-face! Because of the all- encompassing nature of the internet and cell phones, it is harder than ever for victims to escape their tormentors. It can happen anywhere—at home, at school, at anytime of the day or night (Brown, Cassidy, Jackson, 2006). In extreme cases, victims have been known to become aggressive and fight back, or to become depressed and attempt suicide.

Because people can be “anonymous” on the internet,  Indigenous kids don’t always know who their tormentors are. At an age when peer acceptance is crucial, the internet becomes the perfect medium for adolescent anxieties to play themselves out, sometimes resulting in suicide attempts or loss of a child (Secret Life of Kids Online, n.d.; Shariff, 2005).

3 Rules for staying safe

Remember, not everyone on the internet is there to have a good time. Some people lie about who they are or are there to bully others. Know how to stay safe!

1. Never give out your full name, or real name, or personal information like your home address or phone number
2. Stop, block or tell a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or threatened.
3. Treat other users online the way you want to be treated. Don’t use nasty messages, jokes, videos or photos.

Suggestions for Solutions to Cyber-bullying

The following suggestions are for adults, teachers and users for use in schools and at home:

• Set up anonymous phone line so students can report cyber-bullying.
• Have a zero tolerance policy towards cyber-bullying.
• Educate students and parents about cyber-bullying.
• Create self-esteem in students through extra-curricular activities.
• Implement age-appropriate suicide awareness into any anti-bullying program.
• Don’t respond to mean messages; show it to an adult.
• Before hitting “send” ask yourself how you would feel if you received the message.
• Monitor online and offline behaviours of youth.
• Tell your child you won’t blame them if they are cyber-bullied. Emphasize that you won’t take away their computer privileges (this is the main reason why kids don’t tell adults when they are cyber-bullied).

(Brown, Cassidy, Jackson, 2009; Stop Cyberbullying, n.d.)

Resources

How the Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller – This is a teaching story about how to overcome bullying. The once-brilliant moon is bullied by the mean- spirited sun and becomes sullen, unable to dance across the sky. A comet, a positive warrior figure, embraces the moon and takes her to a healing woman who teaches her how to overcome the sun’s harsh words with the help of caring friends and inner strength.

Fatty Legs, A True Story by Margaret Pokiak – Fenton and Christy Jordan – Fenton – This is a true story about a young Inuvialuit girl named Olemaun, later named Margaret Pokiak. Olemaun grew up in Banks Island in the Northwest Territories where her family lived by hunting and trapping the land. From age 8 to age 12, Olemaun was sent to a residential school in Aklavik. She was targeted by a nun who would bully her and embarrass her in front of everyone. Olemaun’s story is about empowerment, courage, endurance and overcoming oppression at such a young age.

Native American Youth Narrates Suicide Prevention – Indian Health Service
Creating Caring Communities Bully- Proofing Your School – This is a 3-year school-based pilot program created by the Indian Health Service and Watersmeet Township to reduce the violent and bullying behaviours of Native students. The program has expanded to include K-12 schools serving the Chippewa, Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee, and Potawatomi nations (refer to “American Indian Programs Target Bullying” in bibliography).

Webinar: Bullying and Cyberbullying: Focusing on Native Youth with Disabilities

This powerful 47-minute webinar led by Joann Sebastian Morris is tailored expressly for Parent Centers to assist them in their outreach to Native parents by:

• • Increasing their awareness of bullying in general and its impact on AI/AN youth, particularly those with disabilities
  • Increasing their awareness of cyberbullying and sexting
  • Learning bullying prevention strategies that Parent Centers can share with Native parents

We are pleased to share the 2017 webinar with you (linked below), as well as the PowerPoint presentation used in the webinar (which includes speaker notes). In the next set of resources listed, you’ll also find a supporting brief on bullying, another on cyberbullying, and then an extensive resource list on both of these serious behaviors that affect many youth with disabilities, including AI/AN and Native Hawaiian youth.

Watch the webinar at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lodmVJuWb-Q

PowerPoint Presentation and PDF of the Webinar on Bullying and Cyberbullying
PowerPoint slideshow | PDF of the slideshow

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Bullying: What American Indian and Alaska Native Parents Need to Know

Bullying continues to be a significant problem for youth, parents, school counselors, and many others. Students with a behavioral, emotional or developmental disability are at a greater risk for bullying than other youth. This article provides current information about bullying in general, and specific information about bullying of Native youth and those with disabilities. It also offers action steps for parents to take. This brief supports Parent Centers by providing them with a culturally relevant handout to distribute at training sessions or outreach events held in Native urban, rural, or reservation communities. [4-page brief, available in Word and PDF, 2020 update]

Bullying: What Native Parents Need to Know | in PDF

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Cyberbullying: What American Indian and Alaska Native Parents Need to Know

Cyberbullying continues to be one of the biggest challenges faced by youth when they are online. Yet, many parents remain unaware of how to protect their children and youth from online bullying. This article provides background information about cyberbullying and sexting and their impact on Native American youth with disabilities. It also includes a variety of action steps for parents.  This brief supports Parent Centers by providing them with a culturally relevant outreach tool to share when hosting a training event or an information booth in or near a Native community. [4-page brief, available in Word and PDF, 2020 update]

Cyberbullying: What Native Parents Need to Know | in PDF

Online Sources

• Be WebAware – Cyberbullying
• Bullying Canada
• Bully Free Alberta
• Be Free
• Cyberbullying
• Team Heroes
• Honouring Life Network

Resources on Bullying and Cyberbullying of Native Youth
A publication of the Native American Parent Technical Assistance Center (NAPTAC) Compiled by Joann Sebastian Morris for NAPTAC