Native Americans, researchers increasingly worry, are disproportionately victims of epidemics and poor health because they “fail” to seek medical care, are “non-compliant” patients, or “lack immunity” enjoyed by the “mainstream” population. Challenging this dominant approach to indigenous health, Juliet McMullin shows how it masks more fundamental inequalities that become literally embodied in Native Americans, shifting blame from unequal social relations to biology, individual behavior, and cultural or personal deficiencies. Weaving a complex story of Native Hawai’ian health in its historical, political, and cultural context, she shows how traditional practices that integrated relationships of caring for the land, the body, and the ancestors are being revitalized both on the islands and in the indigenous diaspora. For the fields of medical anthropology, public health, nursing, epidemiology, and indigenous studies, McMullin’s important book offers models for more effective and culturally appropriate approaches to building healthy communities.

Weaving a complex story of Native Hawai’ian health in its historical, political, and cultural context, Juliet McMullin shows how traditional practices that integrated relationships of caring for the land, the body, and the ancestors are being revitalized both on the islands and in the indigenous diaspora.

This remarkable new book?written by a physician?reveals how to make the most of our complex medical system. The Living Ancestor? teaches patients how to approach today?s confusing maze of primary and specialized professionals, managed care corporations and insurance companies. The story about Tom Chance, a man whose wife discovers a malignant lesion on his neck, communicates the ?lessons? through the enigmatic Dr. Kong (the ?living ancestor? in the book?s title) who coaches Tom in healthcare strategy. Ancient Chinese proverbs and military strategies are interspersed with practical advice on dealing with today?s stretched-to-the-limit medical professionals. See www.thelivingancestor.com.