NASP Home > NASP Resources > Cultural Competence > Native American Task Force

Native American Task Force

As of the 2006-07 school year, the Native American Task Force will be included within the Multicultural Affairs Committee. The important work of the Native American Task Force will continue in collaboration with the initiatives conducted by the Multicultural Affairs Committee.

NASP President Lee Huff initiated a Task Force in 2004 to examine the specific barriers to learning for Native American children. The Native American Task Force charge is to better define the issues/problems of this group; research what has been attempted to resolve and solve these concerns in the past; and identify possible new solutions that will guide direct interventions, consultation practices, and pre-service and in-service training. President Huff appointed Paul Dauphinais, PhD. as the chair of this Task Force. Dr. Dauphinais is the former North Dakota NASP delegate, and a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa band.

Paul Dauphinais and Wayne Evans, a retired professor of American Indian Studies and Education at the University of South Dakota, published an article in the February 2005 issue of the Communiqué. The article discusses the educational challenges that are commonly faced by the Native American population, and the importance of retaining a Native American identity and becoming active and contributing participants in every aspect of the larger community. To view the article, click here.

During the 2005-2006 school-year the Native American Task Force conducted a survey with a random sample of NASP membership and over sampling of known psychologists and diagnosticians working and contracting services to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The survey obtained information from these groups about the amount and intensity and usefulness of training obtained specific to working with NA/AN children; how they received that training; and what further training would they need. The preliminary results were presented at the annual NASP convention in Anaheim.

For further information, please email Paul Dauphinais at Paul.Dauphinais@sendit.nodak.edu.