This article demonstrates that a questionnaire based on Native American Indian ethnic identity can be used to collect identity data in a prisoner population.
This paper illustrates how a Native American Indian ethnic identity questionnaire can capture identity data from a prisoner population. Findings from this study suggest that pride in one’s Indian identity may be an area upon which to target as part of a comprehensive rehabilitative effort. Survey questionnaire data from Native American Indian women incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) were compared to data from the Southern Ute Indian Community Safety Survey (SUICSS). It was hypothesized that women who hold a Native American Indian identity would report specific information about their ethnic identity. This is important in determining a valid accounting of imprisoned Indian women. It was further hypothesized that women who hold these identities are proud of them and may rely upon them as a source of strength even while they are violently victimized because of them.