Surrendering to Diabetes: An Embodied Response to Perceptions of Diabetes and Death in the Gila River Indian Community

The Pima Indians of southern Arizona have the highest reported incidence and prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in the world. Age-adjusted mortality rates are 40 to 50 percent higher in diabetic than in non-diabetic members of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). This study examines the health attitudes and perceptions of NIDDM among forty-four non-diabetic members of the GRIC. It was found that many of these Pima view NIDDM as an inevitable, uncontrollable, inherited, and fatal disease. It is argued that this disease's impact has fostered an embodied-physiological-emotional-cultural response that I call “surrender.” The consequences and health implications of this response are discussed.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A SUSTAINABLE SMALL FARM EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY, ARIZONA-A BEGINNING

An educational attempt to assist Gila River Indian Community members to return to a sustainable small-farm heritage has shown initial success after 1 year. The project uses horticultural technology to help tribal members overcome severe social concerns. The first phase addressed the needs of youth at risk through a 10-acre farm at the Gila River Indian Community Juvenile Rehabilitation and Detention Center in Sacaton, Ariz. During 1993, the farm operation leveled 10 acres of squash, corn, and watermelons; planted and cared for 200 deciduous fruit and citrus trees; and planted and cared for 150 commercial Christmas trees. Produce was either sold to community members or donated to community food centers at the schools or at homes for the elderly. The youth were led by 14 volunteers who completed an intensive training program and were certified as Master Gardeners by the Univ. of Arizona. They have donated -300 hours of time to the project. The project gave youth at risk an opportunity to learn new concepts and skills, gain exercise, and work off detention time. As tribal leadership observed the initial successes, they gave permission to address health and nutrition as well as other youth-at-risk targets within the community beginning in 1994.