“It is time to speak your truth, create
your community and do not look
outside yourself for the leader. We are
the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
Hopi Elders
A Native American Approach
By Gary B. Neumann
Salish/Pend Orielle
Presented at 2006
IHS / SAMHSA
Behavioral Health Conference
June 6, 2006 - Town and Country Resort
San Diego, CA
MEDICINE
WHEEL
FOUR
DIRECTIONS
North
East
West
South
Spiritual
Physical
Emotional
Mental
WELLBRIETY - means to be both sober and well. It is a
word that would be inspired by a Passamagouddy elder in
Maine 1995; but for native people WELLBRIETY means to
live through the principles, laws, and values that indigenous
cultures lived by before Europeans came to North America.
Clans live in Harmony with Creation
CLANS: Keepers of Sacred Knowledge
•We believe our traditional
ways are knowledgeable
about the Natural Order.
•Inside of every being
is the innate knowledge
of Well Being.
•We believe alcohol
and drugs are destroying
us and we want to recover.
•We believe that there is a
Natural Order running
the Universe.
•All Native Cultures believe
in a Supreme Being.
North
West
East
South
•We believe that the Elders
are a guiding force.
•We believe that all tribal
Nations are different from
each other.
•This difference is our strength.
A Mohawk Elder, explains:
•The difference that exists is that white
doctor’s medicines tend to be very mechanical.
•The person is repaired but he is not better than he
was before.
•Western Medicine is more focused on symptom
suppression.
Culturally Sensitive Approach
• Identifying Strength
• Observing Nature
• Uniqueness of all Things
• Adapt as needed
• Harmony and balance
• Teachings and spirituality
Concept Of Well Being Is
Understood Differently.
Cultural Sensitivity
• Demonstrates the beliefs, values, and
assumptions of community.
• Enables community members to become
the owners of the process or product
• Is recognizable to the community as
having a “good fit”
What works for the people
of the buffalo, may not work
for the people of the whale.
Areas for Cultural Sensitivity
• Definitions and meanings
• Symbols
• Language
• Core Values
• Assumptions behind processes & content
• Leadership of local community
• “Life ways” and “Thought ways”
Cultural Competency
• To conduct professional work in ways that
the members of a cultural group recognize
as appropriate among themselves
•Engage with community and accept cultural
differences in an open and genuine manner.
The honor of one is the
honor of ALL
Intervention
North
Prevention
East
Winter
Spring
Fall
Summer
West
Recovery
South
Treatment
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
Spring
“It’s not to help keep
our
2. Community Assessment
kids alive
1. Community Organization
Summer
3. Issues & Problems Analysis
It’s to help bury them”…
4. Strategic Planning
tribal member
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
In time, you will smile again and truly feel it and your laughter will be
genuine.
But until your pain has gone away, and your sadness disappeared,
1. Community Organization
Don’t feel like you have to be strong.
Assessment
What you’re feeling2.
isCommunity
real.
Don’t feel like your wrong if you want to cry.
There are some roads in life we must travel alone,
Even though we may be surrounded by people whom we love.
Some things in life, such as what you are feeling now,
Can’t be felt by anyone but you
3. not
Issues
& Problems
Analysis
But just remember, you are
alone
at all
Everyone who loves you is walking
with youPlanning
in spirit
4. Strategic
And will be there with you
You’ll find a new strength
A new piece
A new happiness
It just takes a little time – You Are Not Alone
Spring
MUST
WE
CHANGE THIS Summer
COMMUNITY
“NORM”
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
> When you Change the Way You Look at
Things – The Things you
Look At Change
Spring
> We move towards and become like that
1. Community Organization
which you think about
2. Community Assessment
> To persist until you succeed
> The Creator – Elders – Nature will be our
teachers
Summer
> When the Community Leads the Leaders
3. Issues & Problems Analysis
will follow
4. Strategic Planning
>The Creator only made one race – Red
Yellow Black White
>We need each other to Heal
The Four Laws Of Change
• You must create a healing forest.
• Change is from within.
• Nations can heal.
• The whole community
must become part of the
self development & self
determination process.
• Individual must heal.
Winter
• A Great Learning
must occur.
• Communities Heal.
• In order for the youth to get
well - the community must
Simultaneously work on it’s
own wellness.
Fall
Spring
• Changing in the Spiritual
World manifests itself in
the Physical World.
Summer
• In order for development
to occur it must be
preceded by vision.
• Families can begin healing.
• If the community starts thinking
about something together - that’s
what the community moves towards
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
A HealingSpring
Forest –
Seed
1. Community Organization
Root 2. Community Assessment
Stem
Leaves
Bulb
Flower
Nurturing MUST happen at each level
for it to thrive
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
Spring
1. Community Organization
2. Community Assessment
Fall
5. Community Action Intervention
6. Evaluation of Initiative
Summer
3. Issues & Problems Analysis
4. Strategic Planning
SAMHSA SPF
The Seven Directions Of Knowledge
Winter
7. Promoting & Sustaining
the Effort
Fall
5. Community Action Intervention
6. Evaluation of Initiative
Spring
1. Community Organization
2. Community Assessment
Summer
3. Issues & Problems Analysis
4. Strategic Planning
The Seven Directions of Knowledge
75% of Time to Prepare - Build Foundation
Winter
Spring
1. Community Readiness Assessment
2. GONA Training
Fall
5. Vision Book
6. Community Visioning Process.
7. Planning & Implementation
Summer
3. WELLBRIETY Trainings
4. Coalition Building
Finding The
Elders Wisdom
Finding Creator
Finding Your
Relationships
Finding Yourself
Europeans came to this land looking for “it”. In order to have
and keep it they needed to control/change/de-colonize. For
them to “have” meant there must be some that did not have.
They looked “outside” their own land. I have discovered that
as a Native American man - I needed to “Come Home” to find
it. I need to look “inward”.
“queel ch tim eep” 2005
Underage Drinking
(Including Binge Drinking)
What Can We Do?
The St. Helena Case Study
Presentation to:
IHS / SAMHSA Behavioral Health Conference
San Diego, CA
Presented by:
Gary B. Neumann
Community Prevention Institute (CPI)
771 Oak Ave. Parkway, Suite 2, Folsom, California 95630
June 6, 2006
Overview

Getting Started


Getting the facts






Dimensions of the problem
Resources
Developing the plan


Leadership
Forming a team
Planning for meetings
Action plan (resources/timelines)
Case study – St. Helena
Other considerations
Why The Concern?

Nine teens die every day from alcohol related incidents.
(S.D. Youth council, 2004)



Alcohol kills far more teens than all other drugs
combined (S.D. Youth Council)
Three leading causes of death for 15 to 24 year olds are
automobile crashes, homicides and suicides—alcohol is
the leading factor in all three (NIAAA 2003)
It has been estimated that over three million teenagers
are alcoholics. Several million more have a serious
drinking problem they cannot manage on their own
(NIAAA 2003)
Getting Started
Who needs to (can) be involved?

Planning Models



Coordinator led
Team (school based)
Partnership (school/community)
Advantages/Disadvantages
Advantages
Coordinator led



Team (school based)



Coordinator
Teacher
Students
Community Partnership

Coordinator

Teachers

Students

Community



Control
Buy-in
Understand school
environment
Spread work
Understand school
environment
Youth participation
Spread work
(delegate)
 Task completion more
likely
 Ownership Spread

Disadvantages






More Work!
More Work!
More Work!
Logistics, getting team
together
Competing Time
Commitment
Organizational logistics
Start-Up Issues
Leadership
Roles and Responsibilities
Recruitment

Depends on Planning Model
Resources


Assistance
Funding
Timeline – 1 year effort minimum
Getting the Facts 1
Dimensions of the Problem
SOURCES

Survey Data
1.
2.
3.

CHP
1.
2.

National Data (Household survey, MTF)
CSS (State)
CHKS – District/school specific
Drinking/driving – accidents
Drinking/driving – arrests
DOJ
1.
Adolescent arrests
Getting the Facts 1
Dimensions of the Problem
SOURCES continued
Profile your community
Present community data by demographics (age,
gender, ethnicity)
Compile information in easy to understand graphics
–- they are one of your marking tools.
Getting the Facts 2
Identifying Resources
WHAT KINDS OF RESOURCES
1.
People!



Map the Environment
2.

Current programs – list out all
programs/resources that could be involved
Outside Support
3.

4.
What can they contribute?
Who can help?
Identify all individuals school/community
Technical assistance
Compile resource Inventory
Develop and Implement the
Action Plan
Form a team
1.


Determine type of team
Contact members
Collect and review ‘Facts’
2.


Dimensions of the problem
Potential resources
Conduct Planning meetings
3.


Introductory meeting
Tasking meeting
Develop and Implement the
Action Plan continued
Conduct additional data collection
4.


Example: Youth led focus groups
Example: Social norm survey
Present Findings and Recommendations
5.

Organize Presentation
Implementation
6.



Identify work group areas (based on
recommendations)
Solicit additional volunteers
Develop process to monitor progress
St. Helena Case Study
Background Structure



Youth Death (DUI)
Concerned Parents
Supervisor Involvement

Called a planning meeting
Meeting Structures (four types) took place
over 10 months.
Meetings Structure 1:
‘Matchstick’ Group

Membership


5-6 people (met 2x)
Purpose

Discussed various planning options
Meetings Structure 2:
‘Kindling’ Group

Membership


12-15 people (met 5x)
Purpose


Review/Discussed next steps/stage
Set up Process for focus groups
Data Collection
DATA Collection
Process:
Youth
Groups
YouthLed
Led Focus
Focus Groups
Meetings Structure 3:
‘Bonfire’ Group

Membership


Community – 60 plus (met once)
Purpose


Review findings and recommendations
Community members joined one of the 6 work
groups
Meetings Structure 4:
Work Groups

Membership


4-6 per work group
Purpose

Implement recommendations
Youth Led Focus Groups
Process

Recruitment (≈ 14 youths)

Training (2 Sessions)




Questions Developed by planning group
Youth Volunteers paid
Role played the questions
Focus Groups


Five Youth-led Sessions
Approximately 60 participants
(all paid $10/$20)

Report Prepared (CPI)

Presentation to ‘Bonfire’ Community Meetings
Questions . . .
Ten questions; in three sets
SET 1: How Youth spent their time when not in
school and percieved opportunities to be
involved
SET 2: Youth perceptions concerning adult support for
them in their communities (ie, do you
feel like adults in the community
encourages value and value you as part of
the community?)
SET 3: Role of alcohol and/or drugs in their life
Findings . . . . .
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Alcohol use is common
Social acceptance of alcohol use by peers
Availability and access
Reasons to use – differentiated by intent
At risk behaviors—lack of concern re:
excessive drinking
Adult relationships with teen generally
positive
Framework for
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Must address issues raised by teens
Must be based on approaches
demonstrating prior success
Must be doable (low cost/minimum
resources)
Must include community members
Must involve youths and adults
Recommendations






School Based
Risk Management
Availability and Access
Media
Community Development
Parent Education and Intervention
Risk Management
Recommendations

SADD

Parent/Child Pledges

Harm Reduction Information on
Alcohol
Availability
Recommendations




Responsible Beverage Service Training
Enforcement
Compliance Checks
Social Host Ordinance
Media
Recommendations

Media Advocacy

Awareness Campaigns
Community Development
and Youth Leadership
Youth Advisory Task Force
 Friday Night Live
 Community Development
Framework

Parent Education and
Intervention

Parent Skills Training

Brief Intervention Training
Lessons Learned . . . . .




Payments important ($ minimal)
Youth prepared ‘notes’ were problematic
Planning/scheduling is critical
Recruitment


Diversity (age, student types)
Conclusion:

Youth led Focus Groups can be an
important way to gather
information and involve youth
Status


5 of 6 Work Groups meet every month (5-10
members)
Special Projects (recommendations) are being
pursued







Youth media campaign
Brief Intervention
RBS
Place of last drink survey
Parents involvement—Family Resource Center
Implementation SADD
Interest in a SAP
Next Steps . . . .


CPI will work with up to FIVE
School Districts in developing /
Supporting an Underage Drinking
Planning Process
Evaluate and Monitor Process for
Sustainability and Enhance as
Needed
Wolf Project
Presentation to:
IHS / SAMHSA Behavioral Health Conference
San Diego, CA
Presented by:
Gary B. Neumann
Community Prevention Institute (CPI)
771 Oak Ave. Parkway, Suite 2, Folsom, California 95630
June 6, 2006
Cherokee Wisdom
The Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his
grandson about a battle that goes on
inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between
two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil.
It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow,
regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity,
guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies,
false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good.
It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity,
humility, kindness, benevolence,
empathy, generosity, truth,
compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a
minute and then asked his
grandfather:
"Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply
replied,
"The one you feed."
Wolf Project
Dedicated to the Memory
of Michael Wolf and all other
friends, family and community
members that have passed on
before their time.
Overview

Getting Started


Getting the facts







Dimensions of the problem
Resources
Developing the plan


Leadership
Forming a team
Planning for meetings
Action plan (resources/timelines)
Case study – St. Helena
Other considerations – Anderson Valley Model – Local – Video Review
Montana Meth Project Case Studies / Flathead Reservation Similar
Community
Why The Concern?





Eighth graders in rural areas are 59 percent more likely than their
counterparts in large cities to use methamphetamine.
44 percent of Montana teens report that meth is easy to get –
second only to marijuana. The percentage jumps to 66 percent
among young adults ages 18-24
It is estimated that 122 meth labs requiring decontamination and
sanitation cost over $1,000,000.
On the Wind River Reservation, meth was rarely found a mere five
years ago and now is described as steadily annihilating the
reservation’s communities.
According to the National Drug Intelligence Center – 32 of every
100,000 people nationwide use meth.
Why The Concern?





In Round Valley meth was a contributing factor in 98% of the Child
Protective Service placements in December.
Meth dealers sell it as a diet aide for adolescents girls, an energy
supplement for overworked moms or an escape from everyday
reality for bored young adults.
Many of the chemicals used to make meth are common items like
lantern fuel, household cleaners, nail polish remover, swimming pool
cleaner and diet and cold pills, and “lab” equipment can be
purchased at a drugstore or hardware store.
On the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana meth busts have
involved labs packed into duffle bags.
In Montana alone, meth related admissions to state approved
chemical dependency treatment providers have increased by 70
percent in 5 years.
Why The Concern?


A recent article in the Denver Post dubbed Indian Country “meth’s
new market”, as drug gangs from other areas move onto
reservations, reportedly targeting alcoholic Native Americans as
potential new meth addicts.
The close-knit nature of reservations aids in the rapid spread of
meth use.
Why The Concern?



Methamphetamine Related Incidents in Round Valley
2002-17 / 2003 – 15 / 2004 – 23 / 2005 – 51 over 100%
increase from the previous year (source)
Bookings with Gang Affiliation – Mendo County(source)
Bookings with Gang Affiliation by year – Covelo (source)
conservative estimate as bookings do not get reported as “meth”
specific
Current Partners



















Business – Bar Owner / Real Estate Broker
Round Valley Health Center
State Alcohol and Drug Program
School District – Superintendent / Board of Education / Principal, HS/MS/ES /Nutrition
Coordinator, Youth
Red Road
NAIGSO
Mental Health Dept / LCSW
Mendocino County Supervisor – Hal Wagenet
Private Citizens – Family and Concerned Citizens
Domestic Violence Program
Juvenile Probation
Adult Probation
Drug Court
Juvenile Justice Commission
Recovery Community / NA and AA
Yuki Trails Health Center
Law Enforcement – Tribal Police / MCSO
Housing Authority – Building Horizons
Ranching Community – FFA / 4-H / Rodeo
NEED TO BE Partners






Round Valley Health Center RVIHC Employees
Need to Be Invited
State Alcohol and Drug Program
School District – Parents / School
Teachers/Staff – School Board Members –
Principal of High School
Principal of Middle School / Principal of
Elementary School / Alternative School
Round Valley Tribal Council Members /
Individually
Housing Board Members
Getting the Facts (cont)
Outside Support
1.





2.
Technical assistance – Community
Prevention Institute
County Office of Education
Grants
Foundations
White Bison
Compile resource Inventory
Project Member Tasks:


Meth related stats for RV – DONE
School Data – CHKSurvey – C C to administer in Spring 2006





Youth Led Focus Groups – Initial Meeting Feb 1st / Youth Training – March 1st / Youth
Recruitment efforts and Final Focus Group Training late March or April 1, 2006
Howard Memorial – RV Overdose
AODP – Gene Price / Willits –C C
Domestic Violence – DONE
Juvenile Probation – DONE
TASKS







(continued)
Probation Dept – M H
Juvenile Hall – C C
MH – MA / LCSW / MB / AB
POMO Court – MS – LD – DR
VORP – C C / AO
DSS / CPS – LD
Law Enforcement - DONE
TASKS





(continued)
FAITH COMMUNITY - AW
Round Valley Health Center – Yuki Trails
– MB / AB
Fire Dept / EMT – LD
OTHER SOURCES – ICWA/ CAL WORKS
OTHER – Lions Club / $25,000 Grant
from County for Skate Rink
Develop and Implement the
Action Plan
(Notice what has already been accomplished)
Form a team
1.


Determine type of team
Contact members
Collect and review ‘Facts’
2.


Dimensions of the problem
Potential resources
Conduct Planning meetings
3.


Introductory meeting
Tasking meeting
Develop and Implement the
Action Plan continued
Conduct additional data collection
4.



Example: Youth led focus groups
Example: Social norm survey
Example: CHKS in April/May
Present Findings and Recommendations
5.
1.
2.
Wolf Project Team Members to meet 1st Wed / Month from 10-1
in Fire Hall
Wolf Project Community members agreed to meet 1st Wed
/Month for Community Report Card
Implementation
6.



Identify work group areas (based on recommendations)
Solicit additional volunteers
Develop process to monitor progress (Monthly Report Card)
Meetings Structure :
Work Groups

Membership



4-6 per work group
Agreed to have each Meeting or Activity have Spiritual /
Cultural Opening and Closing in a Good Way
Purpose

Implement recommendations
Stories can help people feel more connected to
the place where they live.
Feeling more connected to a place gives us a
better understanding – not just a mental
understanding, but an emotional
understanding. An emotional understanding
and connection helps us to feel we are more a
part of the things and to care for a place. It’s
easier not to care when you don’t have a
connection to a place.
In recent centuries our home has become the legal
possession of strangers. We have been restricted
from approaching our places of power and spirit.
We have become mute witnesses while others
despoil the air, the land, the wildlife, the rivers,
and the ocean waters. It is said that this world
was created for original native people, not for
wanderers. But it is the wanderers who have
brought a different rule, saying that our ancient
laws are of no value.
This may be one of the reasons why we
are in a spiritual quandary: not
knowing how to become a
functioning part of the invading
American society, not remembering
how to sustain a strict connection
with the “knowing” that is our origin
– and trembling in the presence of
both.
The Round Valley Community has taken the
approach to “learn” who they are and
educate themselves and their families as
to “who are their ancestors and where do
they fit” into the community, i.e., land
ownership, who lived where, etc. to help
youth connect and feel a sense of
belonging
To that end they are utilizing a “fan” of
eagle feathers or hawk feathers and
holding “talking circle” sessions utilizing
“respect” “honor” “dignity” when someone
talks while holding the fan others see this
as “their time” and give them honor to
share from their heart.
Youth Led Focus Groups
Process


Maggie Escobedo-Steele -
Consultant
Training Session 1
A deep inquiry into what is important for the community
to know that can only come from the youth

Here are the kind of leaders we want to be
Here are the monsters we want to slay

WE HAVE

K
N
O
W
L
E
D
G
E
N
E
E
D
O
P
T
I
O
N
S
W
I
S
D
O
M
CHOICE
Youth Led Focus Groups
Process (continued)



Trainers - Maggie Escobedo-Steele / Gary Neumann / Anne Oliver
/ Martin Martinez
Following Session 1 Group opted to present at
evening Report Card Meeting –
“they spoke clearly and honestly, describing “the real
monsters” in our community as being “alcohol, meth
and heroin – and people forcing these drugs on
others”. “Adults need to know that we’re tired of all
the drugs and alcohol abuse – and the bad
community it creates – we are ashamed to say we
come from Covelo” (quoted from local newspaper
article)
Youth Led Focus Groups
Process (continued)

Youth learned about Monthly
County AOD meeting and asked if
they could present their issues
and share their concerns about
lack of funding for projects in
their community – Gained
commitment to present and be
trained and prepared.
Youth Led Focus Groups
Process (continued)






Session 2 – Focus Group Training (Planned)
Questions Developed by planning group
Youth Volunteers paid Role played the questions
Focus Groups
 Five Youth-led Sessions
 Approximately 60 participants
(all paid $10/$20)
Report Prepared (CPI)
Questions . . .
Suggestions for Focus Groups
How Common is drug use in Round Valley
Do you feel Safe in Round Valley
What do you know about meth, alcohol and
drug use in Round Valley
Do you feel useful or important in your
family
Does your family say they “love you”?
FINDINGS:
Report Focus Group
Findings to Larger
Community
Framework for
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Must address issues raised by teens
Must be based on approaches
demonstrating prior success
Must be doable (low cost/minimum
resources)
Must include community members
Must involve youths and adults
Recommendations
FOR EACH RECOMMENDATION WOLF PROJECT
SHOULD MATCH







School Based
Risk Management
Availability and Access
Media
Community Development
Parent Education and Intervention
Cultural Aspects / Language / Sweats
Risk Management
Recommendations
Wolf Project Integrate Other Options -

SADD

Parent/Child Pledges

Harm Reduction Information on
Alcohol
Availability
Recommendations





Responsible Beverage Service Training
Enforcement
Compliance Checks
Social Host Ordinance
WHAT COULD OTHER OPTIONS BE
Media
Recommendations

Media Advocacy

Local regular Newspaper Update


Awareness Campaigns
OTHER OPTIONS
Community Development
and Youth Leadership






Youth Advisory Task Force-Meet with County
and do presentation
Friday Night Live
Community Development Framework – 40
Assets Training
Red Road / White Bison – Bring HOOP to
Covelo
UNITY
ACOA Training at Wellness Day June 24th
Parent Education and
Intervention

Parent / Teacher Skills Training
Brief Intervention Training
 Brief Intervention For Parents
Training (Being Developed)
 OTHER OPTIONS

Lessons Learned . . . . .




Payments important ($ minimal)
Youth prepared ‘notes’ were problematic
Planning/scheduling is critical
Recruitment


Diversity (age, student types)
Conclusion:

Youth led Focus Groups can be an
important way to gather
information and involve youth
Next Steps . . . .
Community Red Road Pledge
I promise not to teach
your family how to get
high AND you promise not to
teach mine.
1 - WOLF PROJECT COMMITTEE
2 - DRUGS/ALCOHOL IN SCHOOLS
COMMITTEE
3 - UNDERAGE DRINKING CRISIS
COMMITTEE
4 - MEDIA CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
5 - AWARENESS/TRAINING CAMPAIGN
COMMITTEE

NEXT MEETING

Assignments
Responsibilities
WHAT ARE YOU
WILLING TO DO
Community Prevention Institute
gary@emt.org
ca-cpi.org
LEM LMTS’
Thank You in
My Salish Language