Written by Michelle Seymore
The National Center for Adoption Component Mental Health Services (National Center) recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14, 2024. The National Center is committed to being inclusive and responsive to all communities as we help to build bridges between mental health systems and child welfare services in States, territories, and Tribal Nations. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to honor and educate on the rich history of Native Americans before Columbus arrived in the Americas, and embracing traditions still practiced in many Tribal Nations today. For many Native American communities, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a moment of empowerment, an opportunity to share culture, and a time to bring awareness about Indigenous issues. The National Center Knowledge Hub provides a “go-to” repository of resources, including a collection of resources focusing on Native American communities.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day has a long and tumultuous history, starting with the white centered recognition of the arrival of Columbus in the Americas in 1492. The idea of celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ instead of Columbus Day was introduced in 1977 at the United Nations International NGO Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in America. However, this change in perspective was not embraced until 1990, when South Dakota become the first state to replace Columbus Day celebrations with Native American Day, and the City of Berkeley in California adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1992. It was another two decades until President Biden proclaimed October 10 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2022. This shift represents our progress toward being more inclusive and providing accurate historical narratives. Indigenous people lived in the Americas long before Columbus arrived. Telling this truth is essential to honoring the existence and sovereignty of the Indigenous people who inhabited lands long before Columbus and other explorers arrived.
The National Center is focused on supporting the behavioral health workforce to effectively meet the needs of all families especially those who have historically been underserved. It is crucial to address equity, recognize tribal sovereignty, and incorporate cultural healing practices to reduce barriers to care. The Knowledge Hub highlights evidence-based principles and promising practices that are based on Native American cultural practices and traditions. The Circle of Courage parenting model used by Ingenious people is based on the medicine wheel, representing all things to be balanced and in harmony. The Circle of Courage focuses on four key elements: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. These elements are being adopted in educational, behavioral health, and youth services models to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. The idea is that happy, well-adjusted individuals have a healthy balance of the four key elements; however, when maladaptive behaviors are present, the elements are imbalanced.
The Native American practice of Talking or Healing/Family Circles is being used with people of all ages. This practice brings everyone together in a quiet, respectful way to listen, learn, and share. This traditional practice is aligned with the straightforward value of restorative justice. Circles allow for the exchange of thoughts, feelings, and ideas without fear of criticism or ridicule, and they can be a powerful aid for healing. Child welfare agencies, schools, and justice departments are adapting interventions honoring Indigenous practices such as Healing Circles.
As we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the National Center reaffirms its commitment to honoring Native American heritage and addressing the needs of Indigenous communities. By highlighting the integration of traditional practices such as the Circle of Courage and Talking Circles into mental health and child welfare systems, we strive to create an inclusive and culturally responsive system. These practices, rooted in balance, respect, and community, offer powerful tools for the healing and empowerment of those who have experienced the child welfare system. As we continue working with States, territories, and Tribal Nations, we remain committed to inclusive practices that respect the rich history, resilience, and sovereignty of Native American peoples.
Sources
Talking Circles: For Restorative Justice and Beyond | Learning for Justice
Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Origin, Holiday, & Columbus Day | Britannica
A Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 2022 | The White House
https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cye-pubs/61
Circle of Courage (youtube.com)
Culture Protects Us — National Native Children’s Trauma Center (nnctc.org)
