What are some of the particular or unique characteristics of American Indian families that are

Question

incorporated into their personal identity?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Traditional Indian family structure emphasized distinct male and female roles and
responsibilities. In many tribes men were providers and administrators, while women
maintained and supported the family unit. Thus a matrilineal family structure developed which
valued and emphasized extended family linkages, a deep sense of belonging to the clan and
tribe, and strong linkages to the clan and Indian community. Kawulich described Muscogee
Creek Indian women as forming personal identities that reflected traditional beliefs and
lifestyle, but also that was adaptive to the larger modernistic culture. Their personal identity
was particularly Indian, not as a white person. Muscogee Creek women developed survival
oriented work patterns directed toward contributing to the protection of the family unit,
instead of person centered "career orientation" of many white females. Many women strived
to maintain traditional tribal views of proper woman's behavior, such as separation of the
sexes at public and religious events, and links to traditional Indian religion and ceremonies
(such as menstrual rules, and the Green Corn crop fertility celebration).