A number of people from throughout the Lake Region recently attended and participated in a trauma-informed, culture and resilience training conference held at the Spirit Lake Casino. Represented at this three-day conference were educators, medical workers, counselors, and others who work with people of all ages whose lives have been influenced by trauma.
Brought to the Lake Region through Native P.R.I.D.E. – Prevention, Research, Intervention, Development and Education – founded in 2007 as an American Indian non-profit organization founded by Clayton Small, Ph.D. (Northern Cheyenne) and Maha Charani, Ph.D., to develop and implement trauma informed, culture and resilience based curricula to assist Native people in their healing journey from historical and ongoing trauma. This approach will inspire wellness/healing, leadership development and positive changes for individuals, families, communities and organizations.*
Mission Statement: “To develop and implement culture, strengths and spiritual based programs for Native people that inspire leadership, healing and wellness from colonizationb and multigenerational trauma. We believe Native people will walk into the light of goodness and beauty through a healing journey utilizing Native traditions, culture and spirituality.”*
Vision: “For Native people to live the “Good Road of Life” filled with Hope and Pride.”*
Core Values: “We believe in creating a safe and sacred place for learning. …in a trauma informed, culture and resilience based approach. …that Native people can make positive changes. …that Native people can assist and support each other. …in the process that keeps hope alive and thriving.”*
Dr. Clayton Small and a group of trained leaders led a three-day conference with these goals in mind for all educators and others who work with individuals where trauma is a factor to be reckoned with.
The following are snap shots of the conference itself, from the agenda provided to the participants.
Day one began with registration, refreshments and socializing, continued with a welcome prayer, announcements and an overview of the conference, then team formation and the first topic, “Impact of Colonization.”
After a break was the presentation, “Assisting students to cope with trauma.”
Open mic and announcements were followed by lunch.
Then the next two presentations were “Strengthening Cultural Resilience, and Self-care.” which were followed by announcements, evaluations and closing prayer.
Day two began, also with registration, refreshments and socializing, a welcome prayer, announcements and overview. Team formation followed, the topic was “Hostility and Anger Management.”
After a break, the next presentation was “Forgiveness,” which was continued following lunch, as well.
Then “Healthy Communications” and “Meditation” closed the conference’s second day again like the first, with announcements, evaluations and closing prayer.
Day three began as day one and two did. The first topic presented on day three was “Spirituality and Sources of Strength.”
Then “Establishing and Maintaining Sobriety,” “Responsible Parenting” and “Family Preservation” and “Strategic Planning” rounded out the conclusion of the conference.
This program endorsed by state and federal agencies and tribal leaders. The topics include SB 2304 implementation, coping with multiple risk factors as a result of historical and ongoing trauma, self-care, facilitation and strategic planning.
As the conference drew to a close, each participant was recognized with a certificate of completion and the leadership team, which included Dr. Small, encouraged attendees to implement what they had learned in their work. He announced that another similar conference is scheduled to take place at the end of August this year at Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten.
Small told the Journal, following the close of the conference, that he is encouraged by the people he’s met from around the Lake Region and looks forward to coming back to the area in the fall. More information on the dates of the next conference to be held at Spirit Lake will be coming closer to the event.
*Explanation taken from website at www.nativeprideus.org
