Volume 2, No. 8 Fall 2014

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” — Chief Seattle, 1854 Celebrating Recovery

INSIDE Celebrating Recovery in American Celebrating Recovery in American Indian/Alaska Native Communities 1 Indian/Alaska Native Communities ST Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy . . . 2 Now in its 25th year, Recovery that has offered sobriety, recovery, New IHS Division Director Month promotes the societal benefits of addic-tions prevention, and wellness of Behavioral Health ...... 3 prevention, treatment, and recovery for learning resources since 1988. White Eugenia Tyner-Dawson: Connecting Passion mental and substance use disorders. This Bison’s culturally based programs are with Purpose in Coming Full Circle . . . . 3 year’s theme, “Join the Voices for available to the Native American Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out,” community across the country, and many Tribal Programs Gaining in Number encourages people to talk openly about non-Native people also use its training and Strength ...... 5 mental and substance use disorders. It is resources and products. These programs— Four-Day Run in Celebration of Sobriety important for people to discuss the reality which are implemented in communities, and Health from One Rez to Another . . .5 of recovery, ways of recognizing schools, and prisons—have helped thousands behavioral health issues, and how to reach of people in recovery. White Bison Culturally Competent Recovery out for help. offers programs for youth (which include Services and the AI/AN Community . . . 6 general life teachings) and resources that President Obama Engages Native Youth To celebrate this special month and highlight support healthy fatherhood, motherhood, at My Brother’s Keeper Town Hall ...... 8 voices for recovery in Indian and families. The President and First Lady’s Historic Country, Prevention & Recovery spoke Visit to Indian Country ...... 8 with Kateri Coyhis, Director of White “Wellbriety Is a Way of Life” Reflections ...... 9 Bison in Colorado Springs, CO (http:// “All White Bison’s programs present a www.whitebison.org). White Bison is a core set of culturally based principles, Announcements, Resources & Events . . . 10 nonprofit organization values, and (continued on page 4) Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy: Native America’s Link to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

“The creation of the Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy represents a change in how OTAP’S “LIST OF 10” PRIORITY ACTIONS SAMHSA partners with, advocates for, and supports the behavioral health needs of 1. Initiate development of a SAMHSA Tribal 6. Establish a SAMHSA AI/AN Communica- American Indians/Alaska Natives,” says Mirtha Behavioral Health Policy Agenda that is tions Strategy to more effectively reach and Beadle, Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy developed in concert with tribal engage tribal leaders on issues that may (OTAP) Director. In August, Substance Abuse leaders, representatives of tribal have an impact on their communities. and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Administrator Pamela Hyde organizations, SAMHSA Centers and announced the formation of OTAP, which is Offices, and other partners. organizationally housed in the Office of Planning, Policy, and Innovation. OTAP’s overall goal 2. Actively promote and facilitate tribal, 7. Support the development of a tribal is to improve the behavioral health of federal, state, and local collaborations and affairs landing page on the SAMHSA American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) actions that address the behavioral health website to facilitate access to information by leading and supporting SAMHSA-wide initiatives to deliver resources and services needs of Native youth. that is pertinent to tribal leaders and to tribal commu-nities. OTAP serves as of data that could assist tribes in their tribal communities. SAMHSA’s central resource for all tribal appli-cation for federal grants and manage affairs, tribal policy, tribal consul-tation, tribal their SAMHSA grant projects. advisory, and Tribal Law and Order Act responsibilities. 3. Work to increase the number of SAMHSA 8. Fulfill SAMHSA’s Tribal Law and Order Act Prevention & Recovery spoke with Ms. grants that are awarded to tribes. responsibilities through OIASA, which Beadle about OTAP’s priorities, staff, and seeks to improve federal agency vision. OTAP’s work includes consultation, coordination and achieve meaningful outreach, education, and stakeholder progress on the reduction of alcohol and engagement. The Office of Indian substance abuse among the AI/AN population. Alcohol and Substance Abuse (OIASA), which is now part of OTAP, will be 4. Support efforts to improve the availability 9. Engage with the SAMHSA Tribal Technical involved in these efforts. “With the Advisory Committee to identify AI/AN formation of OTAP, we have an behav-ioral health priorities and shape the unprecedented opportunity to connect agency’s policy agenda. behavioral health-related work—by SAMHSA, and because of OIASA, by other 5. Oversee and effectively manage imple- 10. Ensure progress on the SAMHSA Tribal federal agencies—in a more cohesive and mentation of the updated SAMHSA Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda through the thoughtful way,” says Ms. Beadle. “People Consultation Policy. SAMHSA American Indian Alaska involved with OIASA have worked very hard. This is a good time to refresh the Native Team. commitment to our current partners and engage with new collaborators. Now is a “I’d like to personally thank Rod to mention them by name, we are grateful good time to look at our goals down the Robinson, Director of OIASA for the past 2 for their efforts and look forward to working road and take a fresh perspective on how years, for his commitment to improving with them,” says Ms. Beadle. to get there,” she adds. the lives of tribal communities. Look for his article in this edition of the Prevention OTAP has already mapped out a set of initial steps & Recovery newsletter,” says Ms. Beadle. When asked about her vision for OTAP in 5 years, Ms. Beadle replied: “I would love to see for “getting there” by identifying high-priority The following OTAP staff members are also us speak with one voice about behavioral activities for the coming months (see “OTAP’s ‘List deserving of our thanks and recognition: Sharece Tyer, who serves as communications health issues in Native communities. of 10’ Priority Actions”). “These are certainly not lead; Jean Plaschke, who leads efforts for SAMHSA’s programming should account our only priorities. We narrowed this list of 10 from Native youth; Sheila Cooper, who is the Senior for the uniqueness of tribal communities a larger list of about 40,” Ms. Beadle explains. Advisor for Tribal Affairs; and Michael and meet their behavioral health needs. All too often, we view behavioral health “We encourage OTAP stakeholders to see Koscinski, who coordinates tribal action planning efforts. “OTAP staff will be programming through a general themselves as part of these priorities and to working closely with the Indian Alcohol and population lens and fit Native issues into contact us to become involved in making Substance Abuse Coordinating Committee that perspective. Sometimes that works, but them happen.” Anyone can reach the Office to promote Native American health and it is often inappro-priate. OTAP will have a different approach to addressing grants, by email (otap@ samhsa.hhs.gov). Look for wellness. Of course, OTAP has a host of working to meet the objec-tives of tribal more information on the AI/AN page when the collaborators and partners—within SAMHSA and at other federal agencies—that do leaders, and supporting improve-ments to new SAMHSA website (http://www.samhsa.gov) phenomenal work for Indian Country. state-tribal relationships so the agency can is launched soon. Although we do not have enough space meet the unique behavioral health needs of Native communities.”

(contune to page 3)

Prevention & Recovery 2 Fall 2014 New IHS Division Director of Behavioral Health as the Director, IHS Division of Prior to IHS, she served as adjunct Behavioral Health. Dr. Cotton is an faculty at Vanderbilt University School enrolled member of the Mississippi Band of of Nursing and was employed at Our Choctaw Indians from the Pearl River Kids Center, Inc. an integrated community in Choctaw, Missis-sippi. She behavioral health and medical holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Vanderbilt University, Masters of evaluation center for children and Science in Nursing as a Primary Care adolescent victims of sexual violence. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the Her prior positions include various University of Alabama at Birmingham, nursing and management positions in and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing the private sector and with the from the University of Southern Mississippi Choctaw Tribe. In her role as Mississippi. the Director, Division of Behav-ioral Dr. Cotton’s career began with the Health, Dr. Cotton will provide Indian Health Service in 2011 as a public managerial leadership to continue the health advisor in the Division of advancement of the agency’s Alcohol Behavioral Health where she launched and Substance Abuse Program, Mental the Tribal Forensic Healthcare Training Health Program, Domestic Violence Dr. Beverly Cotton Project and helped to revise the recently Prevention Initiative, Tribal Forensic The Indian Health Service (IHS), established Indian Health Manual, Chapter Healthcare Training Project, and the Office of Clinical and Preventive 29, Sexual Assault Policy. She has served as Metham-phetamine and Suicide the Acting Director, Division of Behavioral Prevention Initiative. Services is pleased to announce the Health since August 2013. selection of Dr. Beverly Cotton

Eugenia Tyner-Dawson: Connecting Passion with Purpose in Coming Full Circle

Tyner-Dawson currently serves as the has taken, she says life events navigated her Senior Advisor to the Assistant Attorney toward this eventual direction. General for Tribal Affairs and the Executive Director of the Justice Programs Council on Career Beginnings Native American Affairs in the Office of Tyner-Dawson’s career in law first Justice Programs at the Department of began taking shape after completing basic Justice (DOJ). She works diligently each training in law enforcement. She worked day to ensure that a mutual for the Lincoln County Sheriff Office in understanding exists between Tribes Oklahoma in the early 1980’s where she and the DOJ; that federally recognized obtained her Peace Officer Certification. Indian tribes understand the DOJ mission From there, she worked as a security officer, and how it impacts them and that federal a volunteer deputy court clerk, and later, a officials under-stand how their policies reserve policy officer when the tribe affect tribes. resurrected its judicial and law This is articulated through Tyner- enforcement system. She began working in Dawson’s work to implement federal other capacities on the ground that allowed her to venture into areas that helped with Eugenia Tyner-Dawson laws, executive orders, executive memorandum, depart-mental policies, the comprehensive needs of the tribe. At this juncture in her career, Eugenia and other efforts that comprise the She wore a number of hats that Tyner-Dawson views her path which intersection of public safety, justice, and included housing rehab, with the U.S. led to this point as the culmination wellness for American Indian and Alaska Department of Housing and Urban of personal and professional Native people through consultation, Development (HUD) and food experiences that were born out of a listening sessions, interagency workgroups, distribution with the U.S. Department of passion to help the American Indian and tribal advisory groups, and advising leadership Agriculture (USDA) and later as Alaska Native people of her childhood. on the unique aspects of tribal governments community service director, where she She is a member of the Sac and Fox and their communities. Although she may not have mapped out her career in the direction it directed facility Nation and a descendent of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. (continued on page 4)

Prevention & Recovery 3 Fall 2014 Celebrating Recovery Month in American Indian/Alaska Native Communities (continued from page 1) teachings,” Coyhis explains. “But they critical issue: Traditional healthy cultures people in recovery is one of encouragement,” are flexible and customizable so each have been made “sick” by the anger, guilt, Coyhis says. “Keep on attending meetings, tribe can incorporate its own traditions and shame, and fear. This sense of shame and working with a sponsor, calling with beliefs into programs that support healing unresolved grief—passed on from generation questions, and connecting with people in from alcohol, substance abuse, co-occurring to generation—negatively affect wellness your community. If there is no recovery group disorders, and intergenerational trauma.” and influence behavioral, emotional, physical, in your community, then start one.” and spiritual issues. This powerful program All White Bison programs are based on helps people learn about grief and the masks the Wellbriety Movement, which goes The motivation to work hard people wear to cover up grief and to work on beyond helping people to attain sobriety to for recovery comes from different teaching them how to be well—spiritually, healing, forgiveness, and healthy grieving. For places depending on the person’s mentally, emotionally, and physically example, participants write letters to address balanced. Wellbriety concentrates on the unresolved relationships. stage of life and reasons for whole person, supporting personal starting the process. awareness, growth and development, Wellbriety Movement positive self-image and talk, and White Bison also supports a sustainable She adds that recovery happens every day, incorporate the teachings of Native grassroots Wellbriety Movement by devel- although it is not something that happens culture into everyday life. “Wellbriety is a overnight. “The motivation to work hard way of life and involves committing to a oping and providing culturally based training, life of wellness and healing every day,” says tools, and resources. Three-day trainings in for recovery comes from different places Coyhis. recovery programs teach people to facilitate depending on the person’s stage of life and and implement these programs in their own reasons for starting the process. Some have Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps communities or organizations. People who lost friends and family members and have One of White Bison’s most popular programs meet a set of criteria and complete White experienced a great amount of grief and pain is The Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps for Bison’s Firestarter Certification phases can that they want to get rid of without hurting Men and Women. The Medicine Wheel is facilitate The Medicine Wheel and 12-Step others. Many have hit rock bottom, and others an ancient Native American method for programs. do not want to jeopardize what they hold teaching important concepts about truth dear. When people in recovery see positive and life. When applied to everyday life, these Firestarter Certification trains participants to changes, their motivation is boosted further. teachings can influence significant positive lead small groups in the program’s curriculum Of course, the support of family and friends change. White Bison developed The Medicine and focuses on the processes for helping always helps,” she says. Wheel and 12 Steps for Men and Women as a others work through The Medicine Wheel and culturally appropriate recovery program for 12 Steps with workbooks, videos, and mind Coyhis also emphasizes that recovery is something to celebrate. The more than 400 Native Americans; however, both Natives and mapping. Used in all White Bison programs, Recovery events around the country are non-Natives now participate. mind mapping brings out innate knowledge of the teachings so participants can apply it in indeed a nationwide celebration. Recovery Initially a pilot program to support recovery everyday actions and decisions. Month events spread the positive messages: for people in prison, The Medicine Wheel and Behavioral health is essential to overall health, 12 Steps for Men and Women now helps men, In the United States and Canada, an organi- prevention works, and treatment is effective women, and youth (ages 13–21) in commu- zation can become a certified Wellbriety and people can and do recover. The Substance nities throughout the country. People in Treatment Center by applying the culturally Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin- the program take the 12 Steps around The based principles, methods, and resources of istration (SAMHSA) Web site (http://www. Medicine Wheel, with each step reflecting this approach in its recovery program. By using samhsa.gov) provides resources and toolkits. a particular value: Honesty, Hope, Faith, teachings and principles from Native culture, Courage, Integrity, Willingness, Humility, these centers support recovery from alcohol “Recovery Month honors recovery celebra- Forgiveness, Justice, Perseverance, Spiritual and drugs and wellness of the whole person. tions and raises awareness of the issues Awakening, and Service. These centers must meet a set of criteria for that people in recovery face (e.g., the need certification, and White Bison staff members to address mental and physical health These core values guide all Medicine Wheel visit annually to re-certify treatment organi- problems),” says Coyhis. “SAMHSA does and 12-Step programs, but different commu- zations. White Bison lists certified Wellbriety good work to lift the stigma associated with nities may add experiences or traditions that Treatment Centers on its Web site. recovery and send the message that people are important in their cultures. who have had substance abuse problems can A Message of Encouragement For change and are making positive contributions Mending Broken Hearts those in recovery, the lessons learned in to society.” Another popular White Bison program is Mending Broken Hearts, which focuses programs—as well as the support of friends on healing from grief, loss, and and family—are critical to achieving and intergenera-tional trauma. This program maintaining Wellbriety. “My message to addresses a

Prevention & Recovery 4 Fall 2014 Tribal Programs Gaining in Number and Strength

original nine have collected more than $160 cations, and of course, continuing to roll out million since 2001. Comprehensive tribal the MTS to tribes that request installation. programs together collected over $42 million in FY 2012 alone. Our goal is to widen the path further for new tribal programs each year. More tribal child These dollars to families are more important support will mean more parental support for than ever. The Pew Research Center reported Indian children who need it the most—more in June that Native Americans have a higher money for food, clothing, school supplies, and poverty rate (26 percent) compared with the opportunities to thrive in many ways. national average (15 percent). Unemployment rates for Native Americans also rank higher Nine tribal child support programs led the way: than the national average. „„ Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma

To help tribes enhance services to tribal „„ Forest County Potawatomi Community, families, we have published a new Office of Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement competitive grant „„ Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior funding opportunity for comprehensive tribal Chippewa Indians, Wisconsin child support programs. The Tribal Innovation Dollars fir families are more important than ever. „„ Lummi Nation, Washington Grants will help eligible tribes strengthen Tribal child support programs are growing their innovative, family-centered services, „„ Menominee Tribe, Wisconsin by leaps and bounds. With the latest tribe— including through partnerships with other „„ Navajo Nation, New Mexico Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa programs. Applications were due August 12. in Bayfield, WI—joining in July, the national „„ Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Washington child support program now boasts 56 fully Our Model Tribal System (MTS) participation „„ Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Washington comprehensive tribal programs and six more is gaining strength, too. Five tribes now in the start-up phase. operate the system: Eastern Band of Cherokee „„ Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, South Dakota Indians, Modoc, Forest County Potawatomi Only 16 years ago, federal legislation created Community, Mille Lacs, and Lac Courte Article retrieved at http:// a path for tribal child support programs. Oreilles. Three more tribes are installing the www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/blogs/ Nine comprehensive programs (listed below) system: Winnebago, Suquamish, and White voice/2014/07/31/tribal-programs- began their journey up that path, paving the Earth. In OCSE we are fine-tuning perfor- gaining-in-number-and-strength/ way for the next 47 with more to come. These mance, planning enhancements and modifi- Four-Day Run in Celebration of Sobriety and Health from One Rez to Another

Floyd Jourdain, Jr. at the 2013 annual, four-day Programs, last year. “We used to send runners Anishinaabe Run for Sobriety and Health. to deliver a message to other communities. This is the same—the message is sobriety. This year’s run began at Red Lake Chemical Health But it is more. It’s about health and healing. So Programs on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, and many suffer from alcohol and diabetes.” finished at the Mash-ka-wisen pow-wow grounds at Fon du Lac on Saturday, August 2, 2014. Children under 16 were accompanied by parents or adults and participants brought The runners came down Highway #89 starting tents and sleeping bags. Meals were provided. about 10:30 AM, coming across Highway 2, Four-day run for sobriety. through the City of Bemidji on Paul Bunyan Article adapted from http://indiancoun- Drive, and then went through the city heading trytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/08/01/ “The number one killer of Indians is alcohol, east toward Leech Lake on the Old Cass Lake four-day-run-celebration-sobriety-health- but this is not just for Indians, this is for Highway (aka Roosevelt Road). one-rez-another-156129 everyone. Many suffer, especially families. While you’re running, please say a prayer for “Running sends a message. That’s our history those who suffer, for families, and for those as well as many other cultures,” said Tom that are healing,” said Red Lake Chairman Barrett, director of Red Lake Chemical Health

Prevention & Recovery 5 Fall 2014 Culturally Competent Recovery Services and the AI/AN Community By Ken Winters, PhD, and Kate Winters, MA

National American Indian and Alaska Native Addiction Technology Transfer Center „„ To cultivate effective dissemination to substance abuse treatment, and these methods for returning research findings approaches may conflict with both American to the local community, to provide the Indian and Alaska Native and 12- step healing tribe, other researchers, service providers traditions. In an effort to address this issue, and policy makers with the best available the Centers for American Indian and Alaskan information about health; Native Health at the University of Colorado „„ To systematize procedures developed initiated the Evidence-Based Practices and by the project in order to establish Substance Abuse Treatment for Native Culturally relevant programs are important to recovery. templates for building sustainable Americans program. This project has three research infrastructure in Native and other Numerous recovery programs and practices aims: communities. that serve American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) communities are informed by a variety Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy „„ To describe the use of specific evidence- based treatments in substance abuse of approaches based on Native culture and The for Native Americans (DARTNA) treatment programs serving American values. Such recovery services for the AI/AN drum is a sacred instrument within Indian and Alaska Native communities; community not only provide tribal commu- American Indian culture. Drums are used in nities with more culturally relevant and ceremonies, social dances, feasts, in prepa- „„ To describe the factors associated with acceptable treatments and help to decrease ration for hunting, and as a way of bringing the implementation of evidence-based overall substance abuse rates among Native people together. Drums are used in nearly treatments in these programs; and every aspect of American Indian culture, Americans, they also add knowledge to the from births to funerals. There is also a long „„ To identify methods for more effective body of work on implementing research-com- tradition of the use of drums for therapeutic dissemination of evidence-based munity partnerships. effects. Several studies have demonstrated treatments to substance abuse treatment physical and psychological effects associated programs serving American Indian and Below is a summary of exemplary efforts to with drumming (Winkelman, 2003). Rhythmic Alaska Native communities. develop and evaluate culture-based recovery auditory stimuli, including drumming, The project’s Advisory Board reflects its high services for AI and AN communities. All of singing, and chanting, may facilitate auditory drive, leading to increased alpha and theta priority for diversity and inclusiveness; board them offer alternative, culturally appropriate wave production, and such wave changes members include clinicians and adminis- treatments to address substance use disorders can promote meditative states (Wright, 1991). trators from substance abuse treatment for Native individuals. The list is provided in DARTNA is a treatment program that relies programs serving American Indian and Alaska alphabetical order. heavily on drumming as part of the thera- Native communities, program evaluators, and peutic effects (Dickerson et al., 2012). Building Research Infrastructure researchers. for Dissemination, Goals, and Immersion Camp Education (BRIDGE) This novel alternative drug treatment approach The BRIDGE is one of several NIH- Developed with assistance from a series involves a seasonal cultural immersion camp funded programs as part of the Centers for of focus groups with AI & AN clients with a designed to approximate the day-to-day American Indian and Alaskan Native substance use disorder, treatment providers experiences of pre-reservation ancestors (Gone Health at the University of Colorado (http://www.ucdenver.edu/CAIANH). and a tribal community advisory board and Calf Looking, 2011). Designed for use in BRIDGE involves a partnership between (Dickerson et al.,2012), the program also conjunction with adult clients referred for Center staff and a local tribe in order to includes the concepts of the Medicine Wheel residential treatment on the Blackfeet Indian empower the tribe to acquire important and the 12 Step Program developed by Don reservation, this program is inspired by the funding for prevention and other health- Coyhis and White Bison, Inc. (White Bison, Inc., survival camps of the Red Power movement. re-lated program development and The program is implemented during the implemen-tation. The partnership addresses 2007). A pilot study of the program revealed four specific aims: promising results, including improvement summer months in multiple four-week cycles. in the participants’ depression, anxiety and Clients and staff reside in gender-segregated fatigue, as well as enhanced spirituality tepees pitched well away from settled areas „„ To bring together Native community and (Dickerson, 2013 presentation). of the reservation for the duration of the academic partners to review the tribe’s public health needs and priorities and treatment cycle. Camp life involves “living develop a research agenda; Evidence-Based Practices and off the land” while participating in a variety Substance Abuse Treatment for of associated Blackfeet traditional activities „„ To develop mechanisms for training a (e.g., hunting or fishing for food; making an research workforce within the tribe in order Native Americans individual pipe for personal prayer). to gain the skills necessary to pursue the The emergence of evidence-based treatments research agenda; is populated by Euro-American approaches (continued on page 7)

Prevention & Recovery 6 Fall 2014 Culturally Competent Recovery Services and the AI/AN Community (continued from page 6) Red Road Approach daily life. The Medicine Wheel is an „„ Given the rural nature of Alaska, the ancient method for teaching important The Red Road approach is a holistic healing healthcare team is integrated and built on journey based on Lakota/Nakota/ concepts about truth and life. Many a home model, rather than the traditional Dakota world views. Several tribal Native American communities use a clinic-based setting. treatment programs in the Upper Medicine Wheel, although the colors and „„ The medical teams promote customer Midwest have based their programming on the symbols differ depending upon the compliance by offering same-day access these values. The Red Road approach is in culture. The 12 Steps of the program center and addressing medical issues over the the process of being manualized by Gene on personal character and values (e.g., Step phone whenever possible. Thin Elk, who together with Wayne 1: Honesty; Step 2: Hope; Step 3: Faith). Evans and Rick Thomson developed „„ Regular feedback is given to the medical this approach. Tribal members gather One Sky Center teams in the form of process and outcome annually to celebrate the Red Road, which The One Sky Center is a national initiative data. Employees’ salaries are based on the is based upon the “wopila” ceremony. The to bring culturally relevant EBP/EBTs to team’s overall performance. wopila ceremony involves giving Native communities (something) back for (something) that (www.oneskycenter.org). The Center, „„ All new employees receive a multi-day was received. What is given and received which is located at Oregon Health & orientation to the Nuka Model of Care, with depends on the participants of the ceremony. Science University in Portland, Oregon, is a heavy emphasis on the culture of Alaska the first American Indian/Alaska Native Native people. Thanksgiving ceremonies are integral parts National Resource Center for Substance of lifeway teachings of Indigenous people. Abuse and Mental Health Services. The With respect to addiction recovery services, People come from many parts of the overarching aim of the Center is to advance the SCF principles are key ingredients to the world to participate in the Wase Wakpa the development of culture-based diverse services provided, which include community gathering to network, share interventions by applying existing scientific an outpatient program, a family wellness resources, and participate in recovery knowledge to the treatment for suicide, program (grassroots effort to bring wellness violence, and substance abuse. experiences for holistic healing to the Alaska Native community by strength- opportunities. It is a time for healing and The Center’s many projects and resources ening the family), and a program that intro- renewal, and an opportunity to gain the include the following: duces clients to activities that support lifelong energy and insight to stay physically, recovery from drug addiction. These programs mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. „„ A research review on practices proven to typically employ Native traditions (e.g., sweat work in Indian Country; This spiritual gathering is a self- lodge and talking circle). initiated individual healing experience „„ The development of a framework for Article retrieved enhanced through powerful group describing culture-based practices; at http://www.attcnetwork. interactions, utilizing the talents, expertise, org/userfiles/file/NFA-AIAN/N%20AI%20 and resources of the participants. The „„ Initiatives to facilitate communication %26%20AN%20ATTC%20Newsletter%20 Gathering evolved from the Red Road between scientifically oriented professional Vol%201%20Issue%202.pdf Approach Enterprises of Medicine Wheel organizations and government agencies Inc., a partnership of the Student in order to foster research and service Counseling Center, University of South collaborative projects; and Dakota, and members of the Wase Wakpa „„ The hosting of conferences that combine community. The 25th Red Road Gathering will be held in Vermillion, South Dakota, science, practice, and culture-based at the National Guard Armory September knowledge. 18 & 19, 2014. This year’s theme is “Forgiveness is Medicine for the Human „ Southcentral Foundation and Natural for our Soul”. The Southcentral Foundation, based in Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps This Anchorage, Alaska, is a health provider for culturally adapted 12-Step program for approximately 55,000 indigenous people. The Native clients was developed by Don foundation’s health care model is organized around a Nuka Model of Care (Nuka is an Alaska Coyhis and White Bison, Inc. (White Native word used for strong, giant structures Bison, Inc., 2007). Key components and living things). The core principles of this include teachings of the Medicine model are the following: Wheel, the Cycle of Life, and the Four Laws of Change. The program consists of a „„ SCF’s focus is the needs, goals, and values of series of modules, which include watching its customers. In this light, the customer is given a great deal of personal responsibility a video that explains Medicine Wheel for his or her health decisions. teachings, and the sharing of insights in The Medicine Wheel is an ancient method talking circles regarding how to apply for teaching Native American concepts these principles to about truth and life.

Prevention & Recovery 7 Fall 2014 Native American youth and the importance Echevarria will launch the National Convening President Obama of honoring one’s roots. Recalling his trip Council (NCC), an independent private-sector to the Standing Rock Sioux Indian initiative bringing together leaders from Engages Native Reservation in June, he applauded the tribe’s work on Lakota language revitalization and business, philanthropy and faith, and youth Youth at My the powerful stories he heard from the and nonprofit communities to combine their tribe’s young people. efforts to have a positive impact on boys and Brother’s Keeper young men of color. In his remarks, President Obama Town Hall thanked the National Congress of “My Brother’s Keeper isn’t some new, By Raina Thiele, Associate Director, White American Indians (NCAI) and their big government program. It’s actually a House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs partners for committing to establish an MBK task force for Native American boys team effort,” said President Obama. “It’s all President Obama hosted a town hall session and men. NCAI will form the task force in about a whole bunch of folks -- educators, where he gave remarks to announce new partnership with the Center for Native business leaders, faith leaders, foundations, commitments in support of the My Brother’s American Youth, Native American Boys and government -- all working together to give Keeper (MBK) initiative and engaged in Girls Clubs of America, National Indian boys and young men of color the tools that dialogue with young boys and men of color. Child Welfare Association, National they need to succeed and make sure that Indian Education Association, and UNITY Youth from the Center for Native American every young person can reach their potential.” Inc. NCAI stated in a press release that the Youth’s Champions for Change program, task force will “coordinate and serve as the Article retrieved at http://www.whitehouse. Native American Political Leadership Institute’s central point for sharing important work, INSPIRE Initiative, and Navajo Nation attended opportunities, and resources for our youth.” gov/blog/2014/07/21/president-obama-en- gages-native-youth-my-brother-s-keeper- the town hall and asked the President about The President also announced that town-hall the Administration’s work to support Native Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Deloitte American language and cultural preservation. CEO Joe The President reaffirmed his commitment to

The President and First Lady’s Historic Visit to Indian Country by Raina Thiele On Friday, June 13, President Obama made with Indian Country isn’t the exception; it’s “We can follow the lead of Standing a historic trip to Indian Country when he the rule. And we have a lot to show for it.” Rock’s most famous resident, Chief Sitting traveled to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Bull,” the President remarked. “He said, During his remarks at the powwow, Nation in Cannonball, North Dakota. This trip ‘Let’s put our minds together to see what marked his first visit to Indian Country since the President discussed his we can build for our children.’ So let’s put taking office, and one of the few trips to Administration’s nation-to-nation our minds together to build more economic an Indian reser-vation by a sitting President. relationship with tribes and promised opportunity in Indian Country -- because Accompanied by the First Lady, the to work with tribal leaders to expand every American, including every Native President met with Native American youth, economic and educational oppor-tunity American, deserves the chance to work tribal leaders, and attended the tribe’s hard and get ahead.” for Native Americans. annual Flag Day celebration where he spoke to Indian Country. “My Administration is determined to partner with tribes, and it’s not something Article retrieved at http://www.whitehouse. Since taking office, President Obama that just happens once in a while,” the gov/blog/2014/06/19/president-and-first-la- and his Administration have worked President said. “It takes place every day, on dys-historic-visit-indian-country closely with tribal leaders and last year just about every issue that touches your he created the White House Council on lives. And that’s what real nation-to-nation .” Native American Affairs to ensure cross- partnerships look like agency coordination and engagement with Indian Country. The President has also The President focused on his efforts hosted five annual White House Tribal to improve education in Indian Nations Conferences, an event where he Country. In conjunction with his trip, the invites leaders from all federally White House released a fact sheet on recognized tribes to engage in direct talks economic devel-opment and education, with high-level Administration officials. including a blueprint for reforming the Bureau of Indian Education. He also As the President said in North Dakota, discussed his plans to invest in job “Today, honoring the nation-to-nation training, tribal colleges, roads, high- relationship speed Internet, and energy projects. President Obama makes historic visit to Indian Country.

Prevention & Recovery 8 Fall 2014 to do what we could to change that perspec- share stories about how we rose above our Reflections tive. We chose to create the first ever, in that struggles to help each other to find a life region of the country, Intertribal Celebration of recovery. We celebrated recovery long Rod Robinson of Recovery Campout. Little did we know that into the night around campfires and early Northern Cheyenne this celebration would spark an annual event in the morning around the coffee pot. We Former Director, Office that lasted for over 28 years and would reach danced to the strong beating of the drum. of Indian Alcohol and out to a new reservation or Native commu- We shared laughter and tears, participated Substance Abuse, nity each year throughout the United States in races and traditional games. When the SAMHSA and Canada. dust finally settled, we were all left with a We banded together for an entire year to powerful feeling. raise funds for this event. It was a year of We had strengthened our own recovery Greetings to all my relatives, working together to put on fry bread and and together had decided that we would Celebrating Recovery in American Indian chili sales, garage sales, arts and craft events never again bow our heads in shame. We and Alaska Native Communities is the at community Pow Wow celebrations and would no longer listen to the negative theme for this edition of the Prevention searched for donations in very creative ways comments about how we were perceived and Recovery Newsletter and there is that included a donated buffalo for the feast by others. We knew to the core of our much to celebrate as you have seen in arti- to come. being that as Indian people we have a cles submitted for this edition. Little did we know that we were forming a message to carry and that is a message of hope. This reminds me of a time almost 30 years grassroots effort that would be emulated for ago when I was fairly new to my own recov- years to come. This year-long preparation This message continues today as so many ery journey. Several of us in the Indian did so much more than raise funds; it raised of us have taken on this sacred responsi- recovery community were encountering HOPE in our communities. It showed many bility as a life mission to reach out to all very negative stereotyping that was being within our communities that recovery is real people who still suffer from this illness cast onto Indian Country. This included and resulted in many new faces attending with encouragement to believe that they statements like, “There really are not very recovery meetings and many wanting to too can reach for and begin to celebrate many Indians in active recovery and those become a part of this important movement their own recovery journey. Good people that are often go back to drinking because to demonstrate the deep richness that exists that come together with a common it is just too hard for them to remain clean in Indian Country. mission will do great things. and sober.” All of this effort to work together to For more information on how you can be Well, you can imagine that statements like strengthen one another and show that last- a part of a community of recovery, please that tend to bring out strong emotions. ing recovery is real in our communities culmi- visit or contact the Office of Indian Alcohol However, we chose to take a proactive nated in a 3-day campout where over 400 and Substance Abuse at www. samhsa. rather than reactive position and decided individuals and families came together to gov/tloa or (240) 276-0549.

Eugenia Tyner-Dawson: Connecting Passion with Purpose in Coming Full Circle (continued from page 3) construction, grant writing, and education “I had a great interest in Indian Tyner-Dawson began her federal programs, and served as the tribe’s Children and the behavioral health issues service career with the Indian Health planner, working with numerous federal that create problems for Indian families” Service where she continued her work in agencies. She led the first tribal self- Tyner-Dawson said but added that it was the Office of Tribal Self-Governance, which governance regional juvenile detention frustrating because the federal government empowers tribes to look over their health center construction project with the tribe’s often dictated how programs would run. programs, functions, and activities to Department of Interior Tribal Self- “We would see that grants for programs make more of their own decisions rather Governance Compact. were not creating the effect in as quick a than the federal government. Her tribe, Sac fashion as we wanted it to.” and Fox, was the first one to enter into an It was here that law intersected with IHS self-governance compact. She helped behav-ioral health for the first time. As a set up required mandated negotiated rule- program administrator for the tribe, she A Desire for Change making procedures for IHS, designed to A desire for quicker, effective change and was often tapped to review program work with tribes on developing federal her sister’s death from co-occurring grants that may have been problematic. regula-tions to transition from a disorders led Tyner-Dawson to pursue jobs Her goal was to keep the programs in demonstration to a new self-government in Washington that would allow her to operation by creating solutions that permanent program. make changes in areas that empowered rectified program issues. One grant was tribes to have greater self-governance. with the Office of Substance Abuse Programs She also served as senior adviser for at the Department of Health and Human tribal affairs under HHS Secretaries Services (HHS). This 5-year grant “I worked hard at home to chase funding and Donna E. Shalala, Tommy G. Thompson, required an evaluation. When Tyner- and Michael O. Leavitt, where she helped find grants to improve services for tribes”, Dawson stepped in to direct that, she reactivate a long dormant intradepartmental also became responsible for the tribe’s she said. “Seemed like no matter what I did, Council on Native American Affairs. She mental behavioral program that was it did not work. I could not save my sister also served under a detail as the Acting designed to assist at-risk youth and adult and I miss her terribly. I’m in a far better IHS Deputy Director to implement several populations. position today to effect the changes I wanted new senior executive to make at home.” (continued on page 11)

Prevention & Recovery 9 Fall 2014 Announcements Events Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month Support for persons in recovery from substance use disorders is a major 2014 Native Youth Conference component of the Obama Administration’s National Drug Control November 17 - 19, 2014 Strategy. On September 17, the Office of National Drug Control Policy Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center marked the 25th anniversary of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month with a special White House event that spotlighted National Harbor, MD stories of recovery and triumph, offered a message of hope to people The 2014 Native Youth Conference will be held on November 17-19 at in recovery, and helped lift the stigma of addiction and recovery. The the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, event is available for viewing at http://www.whitehouse.gov/live. MD. The Conference will bring together for the first time, Native youth, tribal Elders, representatives of SAMHSA-funded projects, government November is Native American Indian Heritage Month officials, and SAMHSA staff who are vested in the future of AI/AN youth. On August 3, 1990 President of the United States George H. W. Bush The goals include: declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage „„ Increasing awareness about behavioral health and building the Month, thereafter commonly referred to as Native American Heritage skills of Native youth Month. This commemorative month aims to provide a platform for native people in the United States of America to share their culture, „„ Providing opportunity and value to the youth voice and a platform traditions, music, crafts, dance, and ways and concepts of life. from which to speak „„ Engaging Native youth in a continuing national dialogue about Federal Agencies are encouraged to provide educational programs for behavioral health their employees regarding Native American history, rights, culture and contemporary issues, to better assist them in their jobs and for overall „„ Developing communication products created by Native youth for awareness. Native youth focused on suicide and substance abuse prevention, mental health promotion, and recovery

„„ Promoting best and promising practices developed by SAMHSA Resources tribal grantees Grantmaking Program Conference Highlights

„„ Cultural Opening „„ Youth-Focused Empowerment Workshops „„ Cultural Pow Wow „„ Lessons Learned from SAMHSA Grants „„ Special Native Guests First Nations Development Institute is an American Indian „„ Federal Listening Session institute that helps strengthen and revitalize the economies of Native „„ Opportunities to Share with Others in the Field American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Our „„ Final Day Special Evening Event grantmaking program provides both financial and technical resources to tribes and Native nonprofit organizations to support https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-nation- asset-based development efforts. al-resort-and-convention-center/

First Nations offers grant support through the Eagle Staff Fund, as well For program-related questions, contact Sheila Cooper as other donor-advised and donor-designated funds. For more infor- at [email protected]. mation, visit http://www.firstnations.org/grantmaking

The Gates Millennium Scholars “Recovering from addiction to alcohol and other The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program selects 1,000 talented drugs takes strength, faith, and commitment. Men students each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. and women in recovery showcase the power each of us holds to transform ourselves, our families, and The 2015 GMS Online Application is open until the Wednesday, January our communities. As people share their stories and 14, 2015 11:59 pm EST deadline. For more information, visit https:// celebrate the transformative power of recovery, they scholarships.uncf.org/Program/Details/2bfd8f53-40aa-4705-9f8b- d92d972e59df also help dispel myths and stigmas surrounding substance abuse and offer hope for lifestyles free from alcohol and other drugs.” — President Barack Obama on Recovery

Prevention & Recovery 10 Fall 2014 Eugenia Tyner-Dawson: Connecting Passion with Purpose in Coming Full Circle (continued from page 9) positions at IHS headquarters and Tyner-Dawson has also worked on She holds an Associate’s Degree in worked on the Indian health care the violence against women act Business Administration and is in improvement act reauthorization, and reauthorization, the first-ever tribal school again completing her Bachelor’s later assisted the HHS Secretary to revise justice advisory group for Justice and the the secretarial depart-ment-wide tribal Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA), which Degree in Admin-istration. consultation policy. She also worked with spawned the more recent interagency HHS Office of Planning and Evaluation to steering group on alcohol and Tyner-Dawson has finally come full circle bring federal officials and tribes together to substance abuse operated under a in her career and she credits others for complete a Tribal Self-Governance Feasibility Memorandum of Agreement with helping her. Study for HHS grants, and to help HHS Justice, Interior, and Health and Human complete a study to improve tribal access to Services. She says that although it is too late to help HHS grants. Her agency is responsible by statute through her sister, it is never too late to help her From there, she transitioned to the Office the Tribal Law and Order Act to people. “I do not work and cannot work alone,” Tyner-Dawson said. “I’m known for of Justice Programs with the DOJ, where provide technical assistance to tribes to my collaboration with federal and tribal she began elevating and prioritizing tribal implement local alcohol and substance abuse plans. They assist BIA, SAMHSA, IHS entities, wherein, I rely on so many smart, work through a Justice Programs Council on and other agencies with determining what professional, and inter-esting colleagues Native American Affairs. In this capacity, she their action plans are comprised of, much of and friends every day. demon-strated that tribes and the federal what she did when she worked for her tribe government could work together and come in Oklahoma. “I’ve stood on the shoulders of others up with more flexible programs, and who walked before me, and I continue to sit better coordinated tribal efforts across Tyner-Dawson says that she is excited that at the knee of others to learn more each several OJP programs. This expanded into she is able to impact law enforcement in tribal day. I have been very blessed by wonderful an interdepartmental effort between communities. “Mental health issues are not people, many of whom have walked on, but three federal departments, two typically a part of what one thinks of relating they remain in my memory and my heart. I independent agencies and their programs to to the Justice mission, but with so many have a beautiful family that supports and jointly provide training, technical crimes occurring, not because of criminal loves me. I am very, very fortunate.” assistance and consultation to tribes. intent but for crimes that involve alcohol and Ah-ho. substance abuse,” she said.

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Newsletter Contact Information If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to contribute to this newsletter, please contact: Sharece N. Tyer, Communications Chair Office of Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration 1 Choke Cherry Road, #4-1062 Rockville, MD 20857 Tel: (240) 276-2432 Email: [email protected]

Prevention & Recovery 11 Fall 2014