Alcoholism - An Unfortunate Consequence for Native Americans

Alcoholism has been a common problem among Native Americans since the beginning of the 1700s. Popular belief has this caused by the loss of their native lands and the loss of a portion of their culture to the habitation and growing population movements in the United States among "foreigners" (Europeans) who came to settle the country. It is difficult to pin down one exact reason why alcoholism becomes prevalent in a societal group. Most likely, it is a combination of several factors. It is widely believed, in the case of the Native Americans, that conditions such as poverty, unemployment, loss of ancestral homes, broken promises and hostility from the white settlers, feelings of hopelessness, poor overall general health, and the collapse of the Native American family unit were contributing factors. Considering these factors, it is not hard to understand why the Native American population would be distressed.

The unique history of the Native American tribes and the many adversities they have been subjected to make them more susceptible to alcoholism and the associated problems that comes with the disease. There are over 500 tribes, each with its own culture, heritage, and unique set of circumstances. Alcoholism abuse rates are much higher among Native Americans than other culturally diverse groups.

Handsome Lake, a religious leader of the Iroquois people, recovered from a severe bout with alcoholism that nearly took his life in 1799. He was of the Seneca tribe and was a great warrior in Pontiac’s Rebellion against the British in 1763, as well as many other battles including the American Revolutionary War in which he fought against the Americans. After the American Revolutionary War, Handsome Lake played a significant role in negotiations of the Treaty of Canandaigua in 1794.

After his near death from serious symptoms associated with alcoholism, Handsome Lake claimed he saw three visions. He shared these visions with his people. These visions suggested a return to traditional Native American beliefs, while also accepting and sharing some aspects of Christian beliefs with the settlers. Handsome Lake taught a return to Native American traditional values, while encompassing the realities of living and trading with the white man.

Handsome Lake finally saw through the folly of the "white man’s fire water" and awoke to what it was doing to his people, the Seneca and Iroquois, along with other Native American tribes. His visions led him to be called a "prophet." He was of noble descent; he had been a warrior; and these new visions helped put him in a place of prominence so that his fellow Native Americans listened to him.

Handsome Lake preached and taught from his visions and his experience, seeking to transform the downward spiral of the Native American people and their cultural from one of despair to one of hope and renewal. His teachings became the "new" religion for the Six Nations (tribes of the Iroquois). Handsome Lake also caught the attention of President Jefferson. The President asked his Secretary of War to write a letter of commendation to Handsome Lake for the good work he was doing.

To learn more about "The Code of Handsome Lake" and the effects alcoholism began to take on the Iroquois, view Visions: True Stories of the Supernatural.

Award-winning independent historical documentary producer Michael Keene created Visions: True Stories of the Supernatural.