|
Chemical Dependency Program Joe Estrada,
Director |
Building strong cultural identities is one of the key protective
factors of American Indians, and there is a critical need for chemical
dependency services are culturally based and help build positive cultural
identities.
Services
- Referrals to culturally identified programs
- Resources to Indian based community services
- Programming for chemically dependent Indian people and family members
- Alcohol/Drugs related program education
- Networking with community organizations
- Monthly cultural activities (Pow-Wows, Sweats, Ceremonies)
- Sober activities for Individuals/families to promote alcohol and drug free lifestyle
- Support groups, talking circles, Big Book meeting at the Minneapolis Indian Center
- Fair for all-A cooperative food purchasing program
Many are finding their identity as Native People, the beauty in their language, the spirituality that is rooted in their cultural values, the lessons in the stories, the power in the songs, and the importance of the ceremonies. Many native People have voiced, that after they have gained sobriety, a light bulb goes off in their heads and they say, “I was taught those things of my culture by my parents, grandparents and other relatives, but it didn’t register, either because I was too young or I was still using. But now that I have a clear mind, it makes so much sense and it’s so beautiful.”
