Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the often talked about but controversial issue of American Indian drinking. It utilizes quantitative methods to explore preventive efforts with urban youth and qualitative methodology to examine the recovery process for women. The book provides research on cutting edge topics that are only beginning to receive attention: homelessness and youth gambling and an analysis of the indigenous homeless population. It examines differences between the indigenous and non-indigenous homeless population in one urban area and deals with an examination of theories related to cultural identity. The book also explores the challenges of measuring the cultural identity of First Nations people and cultural identity issues for urban indigenous people while differentiating between the often confused concepts of acculturation and cultural identity. It looks at how cultural strengths and traditions can be used to address social problems.