MINOBINMAADZIIWIN “A GOOD LIFE”
October through December 2021 Newsletter
From The CEO...
Welcome Fall! We are proud to announce the new AIHFS logo as part of the ongoing evolution of our agency’s re-brand. With a strategic approach and community involvement the new logo reflects a more bold, clean and modern look with a tagline that captures our mission to deliver quality services, “Connecting care with a culture of comprehensive wellness.” In the coming months, we will update all our marketing literature and online presence with the new logo. In addition, we will soon begin the process of revamping our corporate website. We invite our business partners who are currently using the AIHFS logo in their marketing literature to contact John Marcus, Communication Specialist via email at jmarcus@aihfs.org to get the new logo guidelines. I want to take this time to thank Piper and Gold Public Relations and the AIHFS community at large for their valuable input in this important step towards growth. Chasity Dial, CEO
In
this edition...
Subject Ribbon Skirts
Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women & Girls International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day A One Year Reflection Garden Building Dream Seekers Women’s and Men’s Society
Employee of the Month
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH The below article provides descriptions of domestic violence and may be triggering for some individuals October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and AIHFS would like to remind everyone about the warning signs of abuse and support for those affected. It is important to remember that most cases of domestic violence occur behind closed doors, and that only through increased awareness and strong support systems can we help shed light on cycles of violence. Approximately 10 million people a year (men, women, and children) become victims of domestic violence each year. Domestic violence can look like: · Physical abuse such as punching, slapping, and choking · Emotional abuse such as threatening, manipulating, and blaming the victim · Verbal abuse such as yelling, demeaning, and coercing · Sexual abuse such as forced sex and sabotage of birth control methods · Other signs include possessiveness, cruelty to animals, controlling finances or what the victim wears, and humiliation in front of others Ways in which to support someone affected by domestic violence: · Know the various warning signs of abuse in order to recognize and then respond to situations in which it is present · Understand how power and control work in abusive relationships in order to shift power back to those affected by domestic violence · Become an advocate through your local domestic violence program to be able to safely connect those experiencing domestic violence with resources Those to call if you are in need of free, confidential support: · 1-800-799-7233 – National Domestic Violence Hotline · Text “START” to 88788 · 1-866-331-9474 – National Dating Abuse Helpline · 1-800-656-4673 – National Sexual Assault Hotline · 1-800-422-4453 – National Child Abuse Hotline
BACK TO SCHOOL On August 28th, the Sacred Bundle Project hosted a back to school event to distribute school supplies and Covid-19 relief supplies to youth in the community as well as provide Hope and Wellness Screenings. Despite the heat, the event had an awesome turn out with 45 youth in attendance! We would also like to thank Jacqueline (Jackie) Gant, the Foster Care Navigator & Coordinator of Native American Outreach for Region 5 for donating backpacks, school supplies, and cleaning supplies, as well as the John Handleman foundation for the Covid-19 relief supplies. As a reminder, it is important to take care of your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health during the school year. The Sacred Bundle Project offers Hope and Wellness Screenings for youth aged 10-24. To sign up, feel to reach out via phone at (313) 846-3718 or email at sacredbundle@aihfs.org.
RIBBON SKIRTS Ribbon skirts are not only an eye catching piece of clothing to natives and non-natives, but they also hold significance among native women’s historical and traditional identity. Ribbon work reached its peak in the last quarter of the 19th century, having moved out from its epicenter in the Great Lakes to tribes in the Prairies, Plains and Northeast. Those tribes who traded furs with the French are most known for their ribbon work, such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi, but the practice has spread to many other tribes. These garments are not only worn in traditional ceremonies, but also in social gatherings, political protests and in recent years, the U.S. Congress floor. Members of the US. Congress such as Deb Haaland have been pictured wearing her skirts on the house floor and in interviews. On the other end of the political spectrum lies the use and significance of ribbon skirts within social and indigenous movements. Both the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement, and in the acknowledgement of the Residential School survivors have showcased the skirts symbolism at the forefront of their causes. The skirt saw a rise in popularity during the starting time period of all of these movements as more people than ever before were exposed not only to Native American activism but culture as well thanks to the men and women who remain involved in these causes. Pictured here are some of our AIHFS staff wearing their ribbon skirts.
Winter Solstice Update Due to COVID-19 we will not be having our traditional Solstice celebration. The safety of our community and staff will always be our number one priority. However, we still want to honor and acknowledge this critical part of life. After all, winter solstice reminds us of the changing of the season or the welcoming of the return of the light on our beautiful mother Turtle Island. AIHFS will be hosting a sacred fire on December 21st in celebration of solstice so hold on to your moccasins for upcoming Solstice details.
Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women & Girls
By Tina James and Adon Vazquez The MMIWG or Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement has been sweeping the nation for many years now. Only recently has it started to truly gain attention and receive support from the federal government. During a study done by the Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI), it was found that Indigenous women are ten times more likely to be murdered and twice as likely to be a victim of a violent crime compared to any other demographic group. With that, the institute found there to be over 5,700 cases regarding MMIWG. Of those 5,700 cases, only 116 of these women were placed on the United States’ Department of Justice missing persons list. Unfortunately, the MMIWG epidemic has hit close to home here in Michigan’s Native community. On November 16th, 2020, Nangonhs Massey, a citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians was murdered in Mount Pleasant, Mi. To show our support to the family, community and the movement, staff members at American Indian Health & Family Services (AIHFS) provided a sacred fire and a safe space for all to come. Justice delayed, is justice denied. Our women and girls are sacred, and we must continue to protect them.
The value of life is one that none can deny, which is why Zero Suicide staff aim to support community members to their fullest ability. At American Indian health and family services, we try our best to engage individuals at risk and support those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States - “Adults aged 18 or older reported having serious thoughts of suicide, and 1.4 million adults attempted suicide during the past year” (NIH, 2019). Last month Zero Suicide staff attended the NAMI walk, an annual walk organized by organizations that aim to reduce the stigma behind mental health illnesses. We believe that suicide is preventable and that we can reach this goal together. Mental illness is not always easy to talk about, however, there is hope that families can find ways to cope with a loss. Common emotions that come with loss are anger, despair, shock, confusion, guilt, and rejection. If you are struggling with persistent sadness, grief, or depression. Be patient with yourself and others. Just as your body takes time to heal from physical injury, your mind needs time to heal as well. Here are some coping tips if you have ever lost someone to suicide. 1. Exercise
6. Put a lotion on that smells good
2. Spend time in Nature
7. Take a long shower
3. Use aromatherapy
8. Work on managing your time better
4. Practice breathing exercises
9. Create a to-do list
5. List things that make you feel grateful
10. Ask for support from a friend of professional
References U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Nimh “suicide. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved September 14, 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.
Welp, I did it. I reached my one-year mark in my new role as Community Wellness Director. I want to reflect on reaching this milestone. I’ll start with some quick win learnings. August 10, 2020 I became the Interim Community Wellness Director at American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS). I was now responsible for bridging the Community Wellness gap through what I now call an open communication culture. This promotion also happened several months after a global pandemic, being thrown into a crisis management role taught me the value of teamwork. I’ve always believed in the philosophy lead by example and that is exactly what I try to do. Nothing beats being highly responsive and reliable because it builds trust and that is exactly what I want to do with my team. I want to build trust. I want to trust them and I want them to trust me. I make sure to be consistent in my actions and with my words. I love to chat and ask “why.” I found this skill to be a tool for my toolbox. I’m learning to find balance by listening 70% of the time, asking questions 20% of the time, and sharing my thoughts 10% of the time. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m 70% talker so this philosophy is a work in progress for me. I’ve found this to be a useful tool because it allows me to be tactful in decision making as well as expanding my knowledge about policy and procedure, grant management, etc. Through active listening I’m learning to connect the dots. Those first six months were a classification exercise. In a role where everything is your responsibility the decisions you make affect others so it’s important to ask is this something better off owned by me or someone else. Looking back this is something I still do. My advice of classifying and clarifying still stands. I’m happily growing into this role of being a community leader. I’m beginning to get comfortable in the decisions I make and the direction I’m taking both personally and professionally. My final takeaway I’d like to share is when the going gets tough, speak up! It is important to ask for help and support when needed. I have an endless list of important, urgent, and complicated. This role is demanding and I don’t want to reach burnout this early in the game. Prioritize your tasks or make daily check lists to help manage the workflow. Don’t forget to take care of your mental health so get up and walk around after reading this newsletter! Nia: wen for your love and support. I look forward to another year of growth and success!
GARDEN BUILDING
by John Peterson
The AIHFS garden is a valuable part of our community because it provides us with food and greenery making the courtyard a hot spot for relaxation or just a sweet escape. We’ve made efforts to reorganize the garden to make the space more manageable while providing more space for outdoor activity. I’m happy to say “We’re almost finished.” I’d like to share how the project is coming together. First, we built new garden beds. Sacred Roots held a Garden workshop day and the community jumped right in to help! We kept the design of the boxes simple and spaced them out for easy accessibility. Once the boxes were finished we transferred the dirt from the old garden beds to the new ones. When transferring dirt, we just used a shovel and wheel barrow. In the first box Ode’imin (strawberry) were planted. With the help of Women’s Society, we cleaned out sections of the garden and planted various cold crops, such as cabbage, lettuce, and Bok Choy. Next, we had to do work in other sections of the garden. Our pollinator garden was starting to bloom so we had to make sure the milkweed stayed within the pollinator section of the garden. If you aren’t careful it can spread and grow easily in other areas. While we could’ve removed all the milkweed, we wanted to make sure the monarch butterflies had a place to nest. Thankfully, our efforts paid off!
In May two volunteers from Flagstar came to help us weed and clear out areas of the garden beds. In July several Levi Strauss & Co. volunteers came to weed the garden while our youth camp was happening. It was a busy day! We want to say a big CHI-MIIGWETCH to our volunteers from Flagstar Bank and Levi Strauss & Co. for coming out and helping us in our gardening efforts. Levi Strauss & Co. also worked alongside our youth during summer camp by helping youth plant various vegetables in the garden and identifying various plants and uses. In the fall, we plan to transfer Miskomin (raspberries) that overgrew in other areas of the garden. Our garden has blossomed and looks beautiful. CHI-MIIGWETCH to all who’ve helped us with the process. It wouldn’t have been possible without your help, support, and love.
The garden can always use some TLC! If interested in gardening, PLEASE reach out to our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@aihfs.org or call us at 313-846-3718.
DREAM SEEKERS Summer Camp Highlights By Lawrence G. Caldwell, M.S.
Youth summer Camp kicked off on July 15th and it was fun for all. Our summer camp was different than previous years. This year we provided an opportunity for our next generation to give back to the community by cleaning up the local park they loved to play at. Programming included an active environment in which they could learn and develop their areas of interest. We used experiential education like project-based along with community service learning and adventure education that may help youth to engage with others, improve grades, understand new concepts, and develop leadership skills. For instance, the clay workshop was a 3-week project in which the youth created their own unique clay artwork while developing their sensory and fine motor skills. It was great seeing their self-esteem grow with their self-expression. The youth also learned about traditional medicines and the 7 grandfather teachings. Culture is such an important piece of growth and development. AIHFS was able to not only provide transportation to those that needed it but also a nutritious continental breakfast was served daily to each youth as a prelude to a very eventful day as well as lunch. Each day began with a prayer and smudge as well as teachings about proper etiquette and respect. Summer camp went fast. Each youth went home with a tote filled with games, learning materials, hygiene products and other goodies for them and their families. Overall, the youth summer camp was educational, rewarding, fulfilling, and successful. A BIG CHI-MIIGWETCH to those that helped make it a success!
Women’s & Men’s Society by Shelly Nimocks-Hinshaw Hey gang! This summer due to flood and power issues we came up with a substitution for fun in the sun! Women’s & Men’s Society went on Destinations in the D throughout the metro Detroit area. Every Thursday we met at the agency for lunch @ 12:30pm. Afterwards David Garcia & I loaded up the van for destinations unknown from 1:00pm-4:00pm. We traveled throughout the city chatting & laughing as we drove to these hot, exotic locations of metro Detroit.
Destination in the D#1 was a visual feast of Native artwork at the DIA: pottery, murals, baskets, masks etc. from past and present artists.
Destination in the D#2 was Henry Ford Museum. We had a chance to look back through time at historical places, machines and events. Afterwards, we met in the café and talked about nostalgia.
Destination in the D#3 was Belle Isle which had the most beautiful flora & fauna in the D. We walked through the greenhouse and stunning gardens. My green thumb was envious of the beauty.
Destination in the D#4 was Greenfield Village! We walked around on this hot sticky day checking out glass blowers, horse & buggies, and Model T’s as we learned about Ford Motor Company history.
Destination in the D#5 was a washout. Storms closed our agency due to a power outage. So instead we dreamed up our next and final destination for the summer.
Destination in the D#6 was Heritage park in Taylor. We had a great time checking out the gardens and the furry friends seem to love us. We had a great summer and now we are approaching fall and spending our evenings back at the agency. Men’s Society meets on Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm. Women’s Society meets on Thursdays 5:30pm-6:30pm. On the 4th Wednesday of the month both groups meet together@ 5:00pm, to form a drumming circle and socialize with each other. Please check us out on Facebook for scheduled society events. All are welcome and we hope you join us!
Employee
Of The Month
August: Shacara Pullum Medical Assistant
September: Jennifer Oprisiu Development Director
Missed this newsletter in your mailbox or email inbox? To receive the newsletters, please email John Marcus jmarcus@aihfs.org to be added to the AIHFS email list. If you need a hard copy mailed to you, please call the front desk and give them your information to be added to the mailing list. If you change your address, please let us know. We want to keep you updated on all the events at American Indian Health and Family Services.
How to Support AIHFS! Only with your support can AIHFS continue to try to meet the physical, spiritual, emotional and mental wellbeing needs of Native American families and other underserved populations in Southeastern Michigan. Additionally, as a 501(c)(3), your generous support is tax-deductible.
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 facebook.com/aihfs
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AIHFS 4880 Lawndale Dearborn, MI 48210 Return Service Requested
Clinic Hours: Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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 programs 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: Chasity Dial PO Box 810, Dearborn, MI 48121 and/or email: CDial@aihfs.org
Here at AIHFS 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 Tobacco Cessation Native Healthy Start Insurance Enrollments
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