What are the greatest challenges facing our Native American community and how can social workers help?
Some of the greatest challenges facing the Native American community are: understanding the impact of historical trauma and its effects, such as lateral oppression and building on strengths to break cycles of intergenerational trauma and violence. Social workers can help as they build on the strengths and resiliency of individuals and families thus strengthen our community through cultural community events, empowerment by education and through giving hope. I have recently transitioned from direct service clinical individual and group work to working at a macro level as the Director of Client Services. I have developed specific curricula for Native Americans that focus on the journey of discovery/recovery from substance abuse, sexual trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, grief and depression within the context of inter-generational and historical trauma. My work is grounded in my understanding of my traditional Anishinaabe (Chippewa) cultural values and beliefs. I continue serve in the pl
