Healing Voices

Mental health

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) epidemic remains a critical issue among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. AI/AN women experience disproportionately high rates of violence, with 39.8% having faced violence in the past year, 14.4% experiencing sexual violence, and the second highest homicide rate compared to other racial/ethnic groups (Bureau of Indian Affairs)​. According to the Urban Indian Health Institute, a 2018 report identified 506 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across 71 urban areas in the US (Urban Indian Health Institute). The MMIW crisis has profound and far-reaching effects on mental health among AI/ANs. Addressing the MMIW crisis requires a holistic approach that includes culturally appropriate mental health programs that incorporate traditional healing practices can be particularly effective in supporting those affected by the MMIW crisis​ (Urban Indian Health Institute)​​ (U.S. Department of the Interior)​.

The "Healing Voices" initiative will build upon our current efforts with the MMI aims to raise awareness and provide support for the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). SSSP recognizes the MMIW epidemic affects more than those who identify as women; our current programming aims to be inclusive of all relatives. This culturally based program seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for Indigenous women, families, and communities through a comprehensive approach that includes education, healing, and community building. “Healing Voices” will be delivered in a cohort style, with Indigenous participants divided into two, 12-person cohorts over the course of the year. Each cohort will participate in programming that will include an (1) educational workshop focused on awareness and advocacy, (2) storytelling and talking circles, (3) art and healing including facilitation by a local Indigenous artist. The second component of “Healing Voices” will include three therapy group sessions led by licensed therapists with trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches. Indigenous cultural practices and teachings will be integrated throughout the program, with elders and cultural leaders participating to share their teachings. Expected outcomes include increased awareness about the MMIP crisis, enhanced support networks, improved mental health and resilience through therapy and cultural connection.

At SSSP, we have strategically integrated ourselves with existing organizations in LA County that serve our Indigenous population. We have observed that these organizations often require tribal enrollment to offer low-cost or free services. Recognizing the needs of our community members who have been disenrolled due to outdated concepts of blood quantum and genetics, those reconnecting after systemic challenges like foster care, or various other factors, we have committed to providing services to all Indigenous peoples, regardless of tribal enrollment. By upholding our value of recognizing self-identified Indigenous peoples, we aim to improve both access to and affordability of mental health services to all. Lastly, by upholding self-identification we have also come to learn that we're opening the door to Indigenous peoples of other countries such as Mexico, Central and South America, to Native Hawaiians to join and be a part of the community members we serve.

Through our current programming MMIWG2-S awareness campaign and Visible Relatives project, we have identified a growing interest in education and support regarding MMIP related-issues. Through our current projects and feedback from community, we believe a cohort style approach paired with a therapeutic approach may foster a more supportive environment and larger impact. “Healing Voices” will utilize pre- and post-program surveys for each programming session, therapy session evaluations that will include feedback on participants’ experiences and perceived benefits after each group therapy session, overall participation retention and engagement rates. The pre- and post-program surveys will include open-ended, Likert scale, and multiple-choice questions to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Evidence of success will include increased knowledge and advocacy, enhanced emotional well-being, and strong community networks.

Our partner organization will play a crucial role in directly providing mental health services to our community members. With their private practice, licenses, and extensive experience, they are well-equipped to support Indigenous community members seeking services.