Print

   Part of a Special Series on Health Communications in Native American Populations

In late 2009, Native Public Media (NPM) produced what it is billing as the "first valid and credible data gathered from the ground up on technology use, access, and adoption in Native American lands."  NPM's study reveals that although access to digital technologies in Native communities is limited "the digital revolution is stirring in tribal communities" In addition, NPM notes that "Native Americans are using technology when it is available to interact, communicate, share culture, and gain the skills needed in a digital world."

The NPM study combined quantitative and qualitative data to provide a holistic view of how a group of Native Americans were using digital technologies.  Some of NPM's findings include:

• Survey respondents are "using computers at work (96%) and home (91%), while schools and tribal/community centers were utilized by roughly one‐third of the respondents for computer access"
• 41% of respondents said they have mobile phones and send and receive text message

Native Public Media was careful to note that the results of this study should not be applied to the general Native American population.  However, NPM noted that its research "highlights several key themes well worth paying attention to and exploring more fully."

See the video below to view a presentation by the New America Foundation about this study.