Enoch and Albaugh 6 begin this section by describing the alcohol consumption patterns of American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) individuals. Both groups are at elevated risk for heavy episodic drinking and alcohol-related problems, although there are 567 federally recognized AI/AN tribes that are different in many ways, including the prevalence of addictions. Rates of substance use/abuse vary considerably by geographic region as well as place of residence (e.g., reservation compared to non-reservation living). The authors review environmental risk factors for AUD and AI/AN individuals, both those in common with other groups (e.g., childhood trauma) and unique to indigenous populations (e.g., historical trauma). The literature on AI/AN genetic studies is very small and few tribes are represented. Past research experiences have led to mistrust and the process of negotiating informed consent with individual tribes can be complex. Enoch and Albaugh recognize that no AI/AN sovereign nations participated in the HapMap or 1000 Genomes projects. Community-based participatory and strengths-based research approaches are presented as potential solutions with their focuses on partnership, education, and empowerment and resilience/protective factors. We also note that
