January 2015 March 2015
Greetings from Ashley Tuomi, Executive Director... Łax̣ayam, AIHFS is still recovering from the flooding but we are very happy that all of our services have been able to continue. Look for more improvements coming including new entrance ramps to the building. Please be patient as we go through all of these changes. For those that want to help with the restoration or our ramp repairs we are still accepting donations. You can send us a donation through the mail or through our website. We were fortunate that we had already planned to partner with North American Indian Association of Detroit for Native American Heritage Day in September. This was a great opportunity to combine our efforts in providing a pow wow and health fair for the community and allowed us to utilize our partnership in a more effective way. We had a great turn out and are looking forward to continuing this event partnership next year.
Aanii from
Due to reduced space issues we are going to be having our winter solstice at University of Michigan Dearborn this year. I hope that you all will join us this year on December 21st from 5-9 PM. Have a safe and winter and Happy Holidays!
AIHFS! Inside this issue: Home Cleaning Products
2
Manoomin– Wild Rice
3
Healthy Start
4
Wrap Around at AIHFS
5
Advisory Council
6
ASIST Training at AIHFS
6
Sacred Bundle
7
Upcoming Events
8
Agency Wants & Needs
8
Ashley Tuomi Executive Director
Language Learning Policy 9 Affordable Care Act
10
Tips for Healthy Holidays
10
Dreamseekers Adon Vazquez and Kwon Weaver touring the White House during SAMHSA’s 2014 Native Youth Conference
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Home Cleaning Products By Scott Bowden With so many brands of cleaning products, it can be hard to choose one to use. However some products are just combinations of common household items. Here are some items that you may commonly have around the house or are fairly inexpensive which also serve as a great cleaning tools:
White Vinegar
Liquid Laundry Detergent
White vinegar is an “all-purpose” solutions. It does practically everything. It can get rid salt stains on winter boots, stink in gym clothes, clean appliances such as coffee pots & microwaves.
This can be used as a pre-treatment solution. Place it on stains on your furniture, and/or other fabrics, scrub and let it take away those stains
Baking Soda
Oxygenated Bleach Solution
This is nothing new to you. The fancy name has been branded by another term, “Oxi-Clean”. Oxi-Clean is oxygenated bleach or in Baking soda has many uses. It can be used as a deodorizer (get rid of smells) in scientific terms it is known as sodium percarbonate and it is great to use as a cleaning solution. Oxi-Clean maybe too expensive to carpet & laundry (it also make white clothes even whiter). It cleans the burnt- buy on a regular basis, however you can make it’s liquid form at home (scientifically speaking) at home using, hydrogen peroxide, on food from your pots and pans with distilled water is preferred but not a must (tapped water may the help of boiled water which can also be have minerals in it as where is distilled water does not) and most used a belt-buckle cleaner. importantly a spray bottle. Use 2 cups water, 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, and 1 cup baking soda and place into spray bottle. To make sure it gets rid of the stains let it sit on the fabric from 30 Dishwashing liquid minutes to possibly overnight to make sure the stain goes away. It will not leave any stains on the fabric Outside of the obvious, dishwashing liquid that you place it on and it will not can be used for more things than to wash damage the colors in your clothing. dishes. It can be used as one of the ingredients for your own homemade hardwood It is important to note that oxygenated floor cleaner. Combine dishwashing liquid, bleach does not work on synthetic water and white vinegar and you’ve created stains such as motor oil stains, paint, your very own brand name floor cleaner for half off (maybe even ink, etc. a little more).
WD-40 Fresh Lemons
Although WD-40 is commonly associated with mechanics, it is also serves as solution to over The citric acid in lemon is a great thousands of household problems (according to their website). cleaner and can be used to lift the Some of which are the following: removing chewing gum & shoe stains off cooking boards, polish from surfaces, silencing squeaking noises on metal parts, countertops and other kitchen getting crayon off of surfaces in which it is tough to get from, and utensils. It can also be used with white vinegar and water to serve more, which can be located on its website: www.wd40.com. as a floor cleaner.
Hopefully the next time you’re cleaning and come across a tight issue, put the tips (or items) listed to good use!
Ganawenim Shkakamikwe—Take care of Mother Earth!
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Manoomin (Wild Rice)— A Gift from the Creator By Chantel Henry Over one thousand years ago, the Anishinaabe people lived along the Atlantic coastline of Turtle Island (North America). They were visited by eight Prophets and given seven Prophecies to follow, the third of which directed them to travel westward until they found the place where “food grows on water”. When they arrived in the Great Lakes region they discovered vast beds of wild rice, or Manoomin (pronounced Ma-nō-min). As the story is told, Nanaboozhoo, the cultural hero of the Anishinaabek was introduced to rice by fortune, and by a duck. One evening Nanaboozhoo returned from hunting, but he had no game. As he came towards his fire, there was a duck sitting on the edge of his kettle of boiling water. After the duck flew away, Nanaboozhoo, looked into the kettle and found wild rice floating upon the water, but he did not know what is was. He ate his supper from the kettle, and it was the best soup he had ever tasted. Later, he followed in the direction that the duck had taken, and came to a lake full of Manoomin. He saw all kinds of duck and geese and mudhens, and all the other water birds eating the grain. After that, when Nanaboozhoo did not kill a deer, he knew where to find food to eat. “Manoomin, or wild rice is a gift given to the Anishinaabek from the Creator, and is a centerpiece of the nutrition and sustenance for our community. In the earliest of teachings of Anishinaabeg history, there is a reference to wild rice, known as the food which grows upon the water, the food, the ancestors were told to find, then we would know when to end our migration to the west. It is this profound and historic relationship which is remembered in the wild rice harvest on the White Earth and other reservations-a food which is uniquely ours, and a food, which is used in our daily lives, our ceremonies, and our thanksgiving feasts.” From www.saveourwildrice.com. For a detailed account of the role of Manoomin in Anishinaabek culture and stories of Nanaboozhoo please refer to “Wild Rice and the Ojibwe People” by Tomas Vennum, Jr., Minnesota Historical Press, 1988.
Wild Rice Muffins Makes: 12 muffins
Serving Size: 1 muffin
Total Time: 28 minutes
INGREDIENTS 1 cup milk 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup chopped nuts 1 teaspoon natural maple flavoring 1-1/2 cups cooked wild rice 2 egg whites 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup vegetable oil
PREPARATION Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray. Place the milk, oil, maple flavoring and egg whites into a large bowl and beat well until blended. Add the wild rice, stir well to combine, and then add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon and mix until batter is just moistened. Fold in the nuts and then spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins; place into the oven for 18 minutes to bake. Remove the muffins immediately from the pan and place on a wired rack to cool.
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Maajtaag Mnobmaadzid Native Healthy Start Healthy Start/Family Spirit is seeking new clients! We are excited to enroll new families, especially pregnant women. If you or your child under age 5 is Native American, or if you receive other services at AIHFS, and you live within 45 miles of the agency, you qualify for our program—there is no cost, and no tribal status ID needed. We get most of our clients through word-of-mouth, so if you have friends or family members who could benefit from our program, please spread the word! Also, please note: Healthy Start/Family Spirit is not just for moms! Dads, grandparents, and other family members who care for children are welcome and encouraged to enroll! For more information or to enroll please contact us at 313-846-6030 ext. 1300 Families who enroll in our program receive: home or office visits from the Healthy Start/Family Spirit team of community health workers, certified lactation counselors, nurse, and social work interns; health screenings for parents and kids; health education about topics such as nutrition, pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, child development, child safety, parenting, and more; transportation (if needed) to medical and other important appointments; referrals to other needed services; help with getting supplies such as diapers, wipes, and children’s books; and lots of support for the joys and challenges of parenting young children!
Education Corner: Preventing Birth Defects January 4-10, 2015 is National Folic Acid Awareness week. Folic acid is a B-vitamin that helps build cells and DNA. However, folic acid is especially important for women in their childbearing years. That’s because it’s essential for preventing a type of serious birth defects called neural tube defects (NTDs), which affect the spine and the brain. The most common NTD is spina bifida. If you’re pregnant, you’re probably getting folic acid from your prenatal vitamin, though it’s good to check the one you are taking and make sure it has at least 400 micrograms (mcg), the minimum recommended amount. Some providers and organizations recommend taking even more during first trimester, and prescription prenatal vitamins may have up to 1000 mcg. So, is it only pregnant women who should take folic acid? No! That’s because NTDs occur very early in development, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Any woman who wants to or thinks she may become pregnant should definitely start taking 400 mcg/day of folic acid, either by itself or as part of a multivitamin. And, since 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, it’s a good idea for all women of childbearing age to take it—it’s recommended by the CDC, the U.S. Public Health Service, the March of Dimes, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Folic acid is found naturally, in the form of folate, in many foods such as dark green vegetables like kale, collard greens, and broccoli, dried beans and peas, and citrus fruits and juice. Other foods like breads, cereals, and pasta have added folic acid. However, it is harder to absorb from foods than from a vitamin supplement, and most people in the U.S. don’t eat enough of these foods to get enough folic acid to prevent birth defects. So it’s great for all of us to include more of these foods in our diets, in addition to taking a vitamin supplement. For more information about folic acid and birth defects see these websites: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html http://www.babycenter.com/0_folic-acid-why-you-need-it-before-and-during-pregnancy_476.bc
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Wrap Around Program at AIHFS By Joe Reilly American Indian Health and Family Services has recently partnered with the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority to offer Wraparound services to our urban Native American community. Wrap around offers families support in confronting challenges while defining and working towards goals through a team-driven process. Families who enroll in Wrap around create a Community Family Team (CFT) that meets regularly with a Wrap around Facilitator to build on natural strengths and supports within the family and extended family in an effort to better meet the needs of parents and children.
The principles of Wrap around correspond with the 7 Grandparent Teachings and can be adapted to meet the cultural and spiritual needs of families from all tribal, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. If you are interested in enrolling in Wrap around, or if you have any questions about it, please contact Joe Reilly or Abigail Eiler at 313-846-6030. Interested families may also attend our Dream Seekers youth group year-end celebration on Tuesday December 16th from 5-7pm to find out more about Wrap Around.
7 Grandparent Teachings and Corresponding Wrap Around Principles 7 Grandparent Teachings
Wisdom
Love
Corresponding Wraparound Principles Parent-Professional Partnership: Parents are the experts on their child and hold the team wisdom about what has and hasn’t worked. Family focused: Helps families improve their relationships and celebrate individual and collective strengths.
Respect
Child well-being: ensures that the child’s needs are being met and that their voice is being heard, respecting the wishes of the child and family.
Bravery/Courage
Safety (child, family, community): develop the courage and strength to have open discussions around safety and to protect the family.
Honesty
Outcome-based: looking honestly and measuring how far the family has come and how far they have to go.
Humility
Cultural competence: taking the time to understand the traditions and dreams families have for themselves and their children.
Truth
Strength-based: helps teams see the full truth of the families, focusing on strengths and positives rather than problems or liabilities.
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Community Advisory Council By John Marcus
August’s CAC meeting was held in a focus group format. A needs assessment was part of a grant from the Urban Indian Health Institute. The central theme being what type of mental health services are available and needed in the Native American community. Some of the issues raised were Homelessness, the need for more Traditional Teachings/Practices, how to help teen runaways, and the need for more half-way houses. In September we had Deirdre Laney-King and Sarah Calgie give a presentation on our Systems of Care (SOC) partnership efforts. Our SOC program here at AIHFS is called When we work together, Then we are wise “Pii Maamwinokiyaang, Miidash Nibwaakaayaang.” It’s currently in year 2 and some of the focus areas are to increase the number of youth and family involved in all aspects of SOC, and expansion of culturally informed services. We even had the chance to discuss the project model design. Since it was turtle based, the CAC offered recommendations on the meanings associated as a result of choosing the turtle as core to the design. The CAC was interested to learn that we will be one of five councils with individuals eligible to join a larger Advisory Council being formed as part of the Systems of Care. Details to follow. October was used as a moment of reflection for the CAC. We asked members what it meant to them to be participatory in this council. It was a very moving experience to hear the shared experience of this council. I’ve included some of their testimonials here. “Advisory Council gives space for voice when feeling marginalized in the rest of the world” “Space created for the betterment of our people to grow together and move forward” “Staff can check in with community at CAC to hear if they are on track, hear about experiences at the agency, how they can communicate in a better way, CAC allows for transparency” I shared with them that I very much appreciated them taking the effort to come down and be a part of these meetings because not everyone can make that type of commitment. I also saw this as one of the most traditional things our people can do is to sit and share our ideas and thoughts on matters that are relevant to our entire community. Our ancestors were master orators and diplomats. This style of gathering keeps those fires burning. John Marcus ph: 313-846-6030 x1403
email: jmarcus@aihfs.org
FREE SUICIDE PREVENTION SKILLS TRAINING! December 27th 8:30am- 5:00pm & December 28th 8:30am-6:00pm [4880 Lawndale St, Detroit, MI 48210] ASIST is a 2 day, interactive workshop that prepares caregivers to provide suicide life-assisting, first-aid intervention. ASIST teaches the PAL (Pathways for Assisting Life), a practical guide to doing suicide interventions, through small group discussion, powerful videos, and skills practice. Breakfast & Lunch included Gatekeeper Certification received upon completion of the full 2 days We welcome people of all backgrounds [professional and otherwise] to the training because it takes an entire community to prevent suicide. We all have relevant knowledge to share with one another to collectively have an impact on the mental wellbeing of our community.
To Register contact Christy Bieber [cbieber@aihfs.org; 313-846-6030 X 1402]
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Manidookewigashkibjigan Sacred Bundle Program By Christy Bieber
We are Welcoming the Winter Season [Winter] [Elders] [Sweetgrass] [Mental Wellness] The winter can be a lot of fun [playing in the snow, being with loved ones, hot chocolate ], but we also know that this can be a hard time of year as well. It is a time that we all prepare for in different ways, and often with the season of fun there can also be a lot of stress.
The Sacred Bundle Healing Helpers would like to just take this time to share a breath with yous… Deep Breath in… and Letting flow out all of the stressors we may be feeling. The reality is, although the winter can bring obstacles, it is a beautiful time of year for reflection. To see where we are at, what wisdom have we gained from the year? Can we honor some of our elders who have shared important things with us? Along with this reflection, what do we need to grow in? What is coming in the next season of our lives? This is the beauty of Winter– a time to bundle up and share our stories to help our own growth and that of all of our loved ones and people in our community. We are a resilient and beautiful people who have strong connections to our teachings, our ancestors, and one another. We look forward to seeing everyone at Winter Solstice this year to share a meal and some of our stories as we all walk the path towards Mino Bimaadiziwin. We will be sharing resources and about where the Sacred Bundle Project is headed. We have a lot of good work coming up this year and we will need everyone’s hearts and minds to do it. We plan to do more screenings and improve connection to Help for those at risk of suicide. We will also be working on some media and art projects! For now let’s share company and always remember self-care and that we have #HealingHelpers all around us. Happy Winter Solstice!
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Upcoming Community Events
Agency Needs & Wants Support AIHFS by helping with the following: Money donations for agency stairs and parking lot
Office Supplies (pens, notebooks, etc.) Projector
Chi-Miigwetch (Many Thanks) for your support!
Want to learn more about what’s going on at AIHFS? Follow us on the web! facebook.com/aihfs
@AIHFS_Detroit
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Support Indigenous Language Learning By Michelle Saboo Every Native child deserves the right to be educated in his or her own language. Two bills are currently sitting in Congress that can provide Native students access to learn their sacred culture and languages: the Native American Language Immersion Student Achievement Act (S. 1948) and the reauthorization of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act (S. 2299). If passed the Native American Language Immersion Student Achievement Act would amend the Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education Act (ESEA Title VII) that would support schools using Native American languages as their primary language of instruction. This crucial legislation will address a dual crisis in Indian country: the rapid loss of Native languages and the growing achievement gap among Native and non-Native students. UNESCO reports that 74 Native languages stand to disappear within the next decade and only 20 Native languages will be spoken by 2050. Endangered and extinct languages are becoming increasingly common as older generations pass without educational systems in place to help Native children learn their languages. Congress enacted the Indian Education Act in 1972 in response to devastating federal policy that stripped tribes of any control or ability to participate in the education of their children. Its overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive approach to Indian education and restore inclusion of Native parents and tribal communities in the education of their children. However, the achievement gap has widened between Native students and their counterparts since the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001. A growing body of educational research establishes Native language immersion schools as an emerging “best practice� in the field of Indian education. Native immersion schools are public, tribal, or private
community-based schools that utilize the Native language as the primary medium of instruction to deliver academic content. Research has shown that well-implemented immersion in promoting students’ language acquisition, enhanced test performance, increased school retention and graduation rates, college entry, and more diffuse but important outcomes such as parent involvement and cultural pride. The Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act will establish a grant program to support schools using Native American languages as their primary language of instruction for all curricula taught in order to improve student outcomes. Now is the time to act and ensure education systems serve Native students effectively by recognizing that there are significant academic benefits to comprehensive language immersion. Native languages are critically endangered, irreplaceable, and necessary to the well-being and character of Native students, tribal nations, and the United States. We must support educational models that prepare Native children for a successful life through our traditional cultures and languages. Our children and Native languages should be celebrated. Contact your representatives today and tell them to pass the Native American Language Immersion Student Achievement Act (S. 1948) and reauthorize the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act (S. 2299). Children only have one chance to experience preschool-twelfth grade education. They should have access to education that is rooted in sacred culture and languages and deserve the opportunities and academic benefits that Native-language immersion provides.
Congratulations, Employees of the Month! September - Sara Hughes-Zabawa October - Rosa Bear
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November 15th begins Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment AIHFS CAN HELP you understand your options... AIHFS offers FREE in-person assistance to help residents in Southeastern Michigan understand the range of affordable and accessible options. This is available for anyone already insured through the Health Insurance Marketplace— or to those who are uninsured, underinsured, or simply want to explore additional options. Residents can also go online to www.aihfs.org or call (313) 846-6030 to speak to a knowledgeable guide who will explain the open enrollment process.
As a Reminder:
If you are a Federally Recognized
American Indian/Alaska Native you
Anyone who already has coverage through the Healthy Michigan can qualify for a plan with little to no Plan, Medicaid or MIChild must renew at least every year; they can look for information in the mail from the Michigan Department of out of pocket cost. Human Services about renewal. Anyone with coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace can keep their plan or find a new one. Renewal must take place between Nov. 15, 2014 and Feb. 15, 2015 — so it’s important to not delay. Members of U.S. Federally Recognized Tribes can enroll at any time. Anyone lacking health insurance must get covered. Those who are uninsured should review options, check to see how much financial help is available, and choose the coverage that meets their needs and fits their budget. Visit Healthcare.gov to enroll or renew online. Visit MICoverage.org to learn more about coverage options in Michigan.
Make an appointment today for assistance! Call 313-846-6030 or email hbenfits@aihfs.org
Eight Ways to Enjoy Meals on Special Days IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Before you go to a holiday meal or feast day, make a plan to stay on a healthy eating track. Here are some helpful tips: 1. Earlier in the day, eat breakfast or healthy snacks. Try not to delay eating so you can eat more at the feast. If you skip meals, it may be harder to manage your blood sugar. You will be more likely to overeat at the special meal. 2. Limit the number of starchy foods (potatoes, macaroni, bread) you choose. Have a serving of just your favorite one. Or eat 1/2 slice bread and a few tablespoon-fuls of other starches. 3. Choose vegetables that are raw, grilled, or steamed. Avoid vegetables in cream sauce, gravy, butter, or cheese sauce. 4. Drink calorie-free drinks like water, unsweetened tea, seltzer or diet sodas. Avoid regular sodas and juice. Avoid drinks with alcohol or limit them. 5. If you choose to eat dessert, have a small piece. Ask for half a piece of cake or pie. Try not to eat the frosting on cake. Don’t add whipped cream. 6. After the meal, take a walk with family members. Walking will lower your blood sugar level. You will have more energy. 7. If you eat too much, don’t feel bad. You have not failed because of one meal. Think about the days you did not overeat. 8. Plan to get back on track the next day. Make a plan for what you will eat for breakfast– maybe a boiled egg and piece of whole wheat toast with non-fat milk (or soy milk). You are back on track!
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How to Support AIHFS! Only with your support can AIHFS continue to try to meet the physical, spiritual, emotional and mental well being needs of Native American families and other underserved populations in Southeastern Michigan. Additionally, as a 501(c)(3), your generous support is tax-deductable.
Won't you make a donation today to help us get closer to meeting these needs? To donate by check or money order, please send payable to:
To donate online: www.aihfs.org/donate.html
American Indian Health & Family Services P.O. Box 810, Dearborn, MI 48121-0810
This Issue’s Native Quote: Ishke Anishinaabe izhi-minochiged ani-bimiwidood I’iw akeyaa gaa-izhigikinoo’amaagoowiziyang da-ni-naadamawang a’aw niiji-anishinaabeminaan anigagwaadagitood. An Anishinaabe is doing the appropriate thing by following our teachings, which is to help our fellow Anishinaabe when they are going through a difficult time. -Lee Staples and Chato Gonzalez
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American Indian Health & Family Services, Inc P.O. Box 810 Dearborn, MI 48121 Return Service Requested
Clinic Hours: Monday 8:30 - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday 8:30 - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday 8:30 - 5:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 - 5:30 p.m. Clinic: 313-846-6030
Seeking Board Members! The AIHFS Board of Directors is looking for new members! If you have a passion for the Native Community, Wellness program and services, Accounting, Finance, Development or Fundraising, please consider applying! In order to be considered please submit letter of intent and resume to: American Indian Health and Family Services, ATTN: Nickole Fox PO Box 810, Dearborn, MI 48121 and/or email: nfox@aihfs.org
Here at American Indian Health we offer great care & services for your health care needs. If there is anything we can be more helpful with, please let us know!
Services Provided at AIHFS Medical Services Women's Care Maternal Health Diabetes Health & Education Substance Abuse Counseling Behavioral Health Counseling Dream Seekers Youth Program Parent Support Program Tobacco Cessation Native Healthy Start
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