Substance use is an individual's response to trauma and a health and social issue. The effects of its misuse affect the individual and the community. Substance use and its consequences are overrepresented amongst Indigenous people in our society. The dominant policies and programs established for prevention, intervention, and treatment come from a punitive approach which echoes the harm and trauma from the colonization of these people. Community-based interventions that center cultural connectedness have successfully reduced substance use and negative consequences among Native American populations. Recognizing the strength of culture as a protective factor against substance use is critical. The current study involved two Talking Circles with Indigenous Elders to identify traditional teachings, ceremonies, or practices used by communities to heal from harm as well as barriers and needs of Indigenous communities today to reduce harm. “Story weaving,” a new method of data collection and analysis which embraces concepts of relationality, connection, and community was used.
Tosha Rochelle Big Eagle (Thu,) studied this question.