NUU-DA’-YE’-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS) “What’s In Your Medicine Bag?” Family Unity Activity The Victims Services division of Community and Family Wellness hosted the first Family Unity Activity on March 17, 2022 via Zoom. The series “What’s In Your Medicine Bag?” is a monthly activity that focuses on gathering skills for resiliency and healing through culture centered activities. These events include a family friendly book by Native American/Alaskan Native authors, a traditional craft and discussion about what we can add to our ‘Medicine Bag’ to nurture resiliency, strength, love, healing and health. Families came together over Zoom to read the book Coyote Medicine Bag by Steven Coyote and created individual leather medicine bags. We practiced introductions in Tolowa language and talked about the traditions of a medicine bag and the meaning of individual items inside.
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The family kits included the book, medicine bag crafts, and items to add to the project. In appreciation for their participation, families were gifted a Medicine Wheel mug. Those who completed the survey and included photos of their projects received either a beautiful duffle bag or a Medicine Wheel throw blanket. Be sure to sign up for the next Family Unity Activity event. We are now hosting in person! They are held every 3rd Thursday of the month and are open to Native American/Alaskan Native families residing in our service area with at least one child under the age of 18 living in the household. Shu’ shaa nin-la to everyone who participated in this fun activity!
-Tiffany Shannon, Community and Family Wellness 12
