Happiness away from settlers: Amoneeta Beckstein (Aniyunwiya), ‘Indigenous American Happiness’, in H. Selin, G. Davey (eds), Happiness Across Cultures, Springer, 2024, pp. 117-134 | settler colonial studies blog

Happiness away from settlers: Amoneeta Beckstein (Aniyunwiya), ‘Indigenous American Happiness’, in H. Selin, G. Davey (eds), Happiness Across Cultures, Springer, 2024, pp. 117-134

03Dec24

Abstract: In the United Sates, happiness has mostly been studied from a Western perspective with the Indigenous American perspective mostly ignored. On the other hand, a deficit perspective is often taken with this population meaning that the literature on Indigenous Americans often focuses on ill-health and problems. This chapter explores the limited extant research—primarily from psychology—on happiness from a strengths perspective for this population. Not surprisingly, Indigenous American happiness tends to look a bit different from the Western conceptualizations of happiness. Primarily, happiness tends to be derived more socially, collectively, relationally, and through harmony and balance. Colonialism has contributed to ongoing deficits and disparities in wellbeing and other happiness detractions. Conversely, traditional culture and involvement in traditional spirituality play important roles in contributing to happiness among Indigenous Americans. The chapter proposes that a new subfield is in the making, positive Indigenous psychology (PIP), and encourages support of it for the betterment of all of Creation. Implications for sustaining, supporting, and boosting Indigenous American happiness are explored.

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