Using focus group methodology, we examined the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota idea of
wicozani (pronounced wee-cho’zah-nee), or “the good way of life”, as it relates to individual
and family life and assert its value in guiding functional adaptations. Additional theoretical
scaffolding is drawn from Vygotsky’s (1978) zone of proximal development within the
framework of Hill’s (1949) family stress model, reifying the effectiveness of wicozani to
direct community-generated functional adaptations that will strengthen American Indian
families. Focus group participants outline historical values necessary to achieve wicozani.
Themes shared show that Native resiliency is based on traditional community beliefs and
practices. As American Indians face modern challenges, re-embracing and developing
long held ideals will provide a basis for functional adaptation in the future.