Support Trauma Healing for Native Communities

Hello, Relatives! I am reaching out to the community to request support for my travel, food, and hotel expenses for the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference, to be held in Milwaukee, WI, on July 29-31, 2025.

My proposal, "Transforming a Trauma Memory into Healing: A Cultural Perspective," was accepted. This presentation will be focused on recognizing a trauma that happened to me 45+ years ago. The trauma memory reappeared 4 months ago. I processed this trauma with other mental health providers, but it was survivors who helped me process this trauma. I reached out to the elders, who also helped me process. I believe our elders carry knowledge, and I am grateful that they share their teachings with me.

I am a survivor of many forms of violence as a child and a young adult. Through my journey of healing, I have dedicated my life to helping others. I continue to walk that good road. I became a mental and chemical health provider because I know of the traumas that have impacted us individually and as a community as Native American people.

This presentation will consist of discussing the trauma, the Western way of healing, and how I processed through the lens of a cultural and spiritual perspective. Ceremony and the cultural perspective helped me to heal and to say these words, "You can't hurt me anymore." Our cultural and spiritual ways are powerful when it comes to healing. I also understand that it's essential to acknowledge, heal, and make relative with that trauma. I want to share with the audience my methods for healing and sharing ideas, because I believe we can heal from the trauma we have experienced as Native people.

Under the current administration, it has been challenging for organizations to provide financial support to the presenters. I believe in the Women Are Sacred conference and the work that the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center does across Indian Country. Your support will help me to attend the conference and present my work. I would greatly appreciate any donation. I appreciate your consideration.