Traditional Knowledge

Storytelling

Sharing stories is a great way to pass down the knowledge of our ancestors onto the younger generation. Reclaiming, reviving and continuing our traditional practices and stories actively instill community and resilience and reduce trauma, including suicide.

How Lands and Elders Shape Us

The transition through adolescence is a time for defining one’s identity. For Tribal communities, the accumulated historical traumas, potential family dysfunction, mental health and substance use struggles by modern day stress and discrimination may leave young people vulnerable. It is up to us to help youth feel they have a purpose and a worthwhile future ahead of them.

Promoting positive cultural practices such as pow wows or social activities like sports sporting events, academic groups or youth councils can instill change.

WHAT CAN OUR COMMUNITIES DO NOW?

Here are other ways you can promote positive lifestyles that incorporate traditional Indigenous culture for our youth:

Form

Form a council of Elders and traditional leaders to plan and participate in cultural activities with youth.

Support

Support your youth council to lead a CULTURE FORWARD media campaign with powerful messages to promote cultural values that prevent suicide.

Rekindle

Rekindle and promote cultural values that embrace the special roles that your two-spirit community members hold within the tribe.

Create

Create safe places for our two-spirit relatives to express themselves and include them as valued community members in all aspects of community life.

Work

Work with your mental and behavioral health directors and tribal stakeholders to develop principles for your healing efforts that can be widely disseminated through your tribal media outlets.

Create

Create culture camps for youth groups, giving priority to those facing current hardships.

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