The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) recently held an Advanced Leadership Education & Training (ALET) 5-day course, hosted by the Galvgwodiyu “It is Sacred” program. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ TERO program generously provided space for the event.
Galvgwodiyu is a culturally-informed and community-based healing program that supports adult survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and/or child abuse and neglect. Using peer-led learning circles, Galvgwodiyu aims to combat intergenerational trauma, restore resiliency, and to end cycles of abuse and neglect in indigenous communities within this generation. The program was founded by the Family Wellness Warriors initiative of Southcentral Foundation in Alaska, and over the past several years has been adapted to meet the needs of the EBCI community. Twelve-month follow-up data shows that participants attending Galvgwodiyu report a 15% increase related to connection to culture, a 42% reduction in depression symptoms, a 58% increase in measures related to self-esteem, and a 68% increase in measures related to having a sense of belonging and purpose.
ALET equips participants who have previously attended Galvgwodiyu’s hallmark 5-Day Intensive to be able to lead circles at Galvgwodiyu trainings, at Analenisgi, or in the community. Throughout the training, participants received hands-on experience leading circles with the support of dedicated coaches and trainers while also learning and practicing skills related to healthy responding, redirection, working with a circle co-leader, conflict resolution, and more.
Two CIHA staff members successfully completed the training: Molly Bracknell (Master’s Level Therapist for the Galvgwodiyu program at Analenisgi), and Lexi Luey-Gomez (MAT Therapist Supervisor at Analenisgi). Community members Stephanie Wildcatt, David Montelongo Jr, Harold “Peanut” Bowman, and CIHA PFAC member Ramona Standingdeer also successfully completed the training.
“I am in awe of the heart, dedication, and wisdom each participant brought to ALET this week,” said Michelle Frerich, Galvgwodiyu Program Manager. “Our Behavioral Health Director Dr. Freida Saylor often says, ‘We are our own solution.’ Galvgwodiyu and ALET embody that very concept by providing safety, opportunity, and dedicated time and space to support people in healing themselves, to allow them to tap into their own healing wisdom. ALET prepares participants to expand the availability of circles, whether that’s through Galvgwodiyu events, out in the community, or in their own family home.”
For more information about CIHA’s Galvgwodiyu “It is Sacred” program, visit https://cherokeehospital.org/galvgwodiyu-it-is-sacred/.