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Abstract

As self described, the Lakota (or Teton Sioux) are a group of Native Americans characterized by their emphasis on ideals such as community, affinity, generosity, cooperation, and strength. The term Lakota roughly translates to "an alliance of people." Traditionally, they are a people strongly motivated by personal responsibility to the whole of society and philosophically wedded to the notion of “affinity,” which involves living in harmony with others, having a sense of belonging to one’s community, valuing interpersonal relationships, and trusting one another (Marshall, 2005). This manner of living has allowed the Lakota to synergize efforts through teamwork and cooperation and to achieve great benefits for both the community and its individuals. In our modern times, as we struggle with human, social, and environmental challenges and a call for greater individual and collective responsibility, there is much we might learn and emulate from the Lakota. Such possibilities are explored in this paper by examining theoretical approaches to the institutionalization of personal and collective responsibility, particularly Schwartz’s (1977) norm activation model (NAM). In this regard, theory provides a useful connection to the past by considering the situational and personal values characteristics that might serve to link modern notions of personal and collective responsibility to those of our early Native Americans.

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