Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country
ESSAY — Volume 16 — July 25, 2019
The consultation process uses the HNCP medicine wheel as the basis for the process, starting in the east with Listening. The CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee heard from their local tribes and communities, identified the need, nominated cultural advisors, and developed the invitation to bring this group together. Next is Dialogue in the south. At the first convening in Spokane, Washington, they shared gifts and stories; answered “To be strong and resilient, how and when are people connected to culture and community?”; explored activities, practices, and teachings connected to wellness; and worked on building trust. Action is in the west. At the second convening in Chandler, Arizona, they exchanged stories and teachings, explored historical perspectives and roles, developed 7 themes from learnings and practices — “What activities, practices, and themes are helping to keep us strong and healthy?”, and developed advice for the TAC. Last, in the north is Reflection. At the third convening in Atlanta, Georgia, they reflected on strategies and activities, identified short-term and long-term outcomes, and provided a blessing as the work goes forward.
Figure.
Cultural advisors consultation process. Abbreviations: CDC/ATSDR, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; HNCP, Healthy Native Communities Partnership; TAC, Tribal Advisory Committee.
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