TOR12 Whole-Native SUD Treatment Care Examples-Discussion Guide for documentary

Discussion Guide for documentary

Pdf Summary

The "Native Transformations in the Pacific Northwest: Stories of Strength in a Public Health Crisis" Reflection and Discussion Guide complements a documentary film focusing on the healing and resilience of Coast Salish communities in facing substance use disorders. The guide is rooted in findings from the Native Transformations Project (NTP), a research initiative by Northwest Indian College Center for Health. NTP's two phases explore the strengths and protections against substance misuse and specific to opioid misuse and recovery among the Lummi Nation, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.<br /><br />The guide emphasizes creating a culturally sensitive environment for discussing the documentary, offering protocols like opening prayers, moments of silence, and cultural practices such as song and smudging to facilitate meaningful conversations. It features four personal stories that illustrate how individual, family, community, and spiritual sources of strength support recovery and resilience against substance misuse.<br /><br />Essential concepts highlighted include the Coast Salish Reef Net Wellness Model, which describes wellness as a continuum supported by various strengths. These sources of strength are categorized into individual (e.g., awareness, helping others), family (e.g., protective parenting, powerful women), community (e.g., strong elders, social connections), and spiritual (e.g., belief in prayer, being on the land/water) elements.<br /><br />The guide also includes reflective questions to help participants identify their inherent strengths and protective factors. It concludes by acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the research team and partners who contributed to the project.<br /><br />By weaving together traditional practices, community support, and individual resilience, the guide aims to foster healing conversations and encourage the application of cultural strengths to combat substance abuse and promote recovery.

Keywords

Native Transformations

Pacific Northwest

public health crisis

Coast Salish communities

substance use disorders

opioid misuse

cultural practices

recovery and resilience

community support

traditional practices