KEEPING THE CIRCLE STRENGTHENING FAMILIES AND CULTURAL CONNECTIONS Presented by: Cynthia Alexander Leah Lujan

FIELD BASED TRAINER/TRIBAL FAMILY CONSULTANTS Native Family Education Gathering at Fresno State Embracing Our Culture Through Education at Fresno City College Native American Advisory Committee with WestCare Title IV-E ICWA Committee California Indian Day

TRAININGS AND PRESENTATIONS Extending Our Families Through Unity – Foster Parent Training Positive Indian Parenting NICWA State ICWA Conference – Strengthening Child Welfare and Tribal Relationships Fresno County ICWA/CAPP Listening Session Tribal & Community Engagement Committee Training & Coaching Committee State ICWA Workgroup Meetings

COURT BLESSING FOR NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

COACHING APPROACH MOVING FROM HURTING TO HEALING TO HELPING Teaching from the Heart - Knowing the impact of cultural loss, the effects from intergenerational and historical trauma, the communities needs and belief system, and knowing their uniqueness – values, customs, beliefs and traditional way of life is of importance. A compassionate approach to assist in the healing of families Bridging and building of trust between Child Welfare workers and Native American families. Encourage a “lean-in, strength-based approach when working with families Attainable, healing, goal setting, in it together Verses Policing – if you don’t complete, your consequences will be this… Understanding Social differences and learning styles - different not deficient - “Start where the learner is” – their knowledge base and life experiences

“TO BE WITHOUT STORIES MEANS TO BE WITHOUT MEMORIES, WHICH MEANS SOMETHING LIKE BEING WITHOUT A SELF” ROGER SCHANK Telling our stories Sharing our stories with the community Strengthening our cultural identity Reclaiming our histories Healing our people CULTURE HEALS AND PRESERVES OUR WAY OF LIFE

IMPORTANCE OF TRIBAL IDENTITY Tribal identity is an empowering element and a cultural foundation Connectedness improves the self- esteem and pride of Native people Provides a sense of belonging

THANK YOU! No person among us desires any other reward for performing a brave and worthy action, but the consciousness of having served his nation.” – Thayendanegea, Mohawk