Historically, Native American families had to rely on each other for survival. In many cases, families depended on other tribal members as well, creating strong bonds of kinship throughout the community. Today, the family in general and children in particular are still at the heart of the Native American society. Whether it is grandparents bringing grandchildren with them to a community fitness center or a village banding together to deal with a natural disaster, Native Americans feel close bonds with their family and neighbors and make a point of sharing their daily activities with the people they care about.

Aunties and Uncles

On many reservations, children live in extended families that include aunties, uncles, and cousins. "Aunties and uncles" are terms for adults who are not necessarily blood relatives but who play an important role in a child's life. Similarly, cousins are other young people on...