It’s been a tough few months for everyone. To hear about—or worse—to watch racial injustice and human indignity fills us with sorrow and anger. While we work to protect our children and try to explain what they may have seen on television or read on their phones, many of us re-live indignities that we or someone we know has suffered. As Indigenous people, we also worry about the safety of our Native relations from tribes across the country. We offer prayers for their health and safety.
Exposure to trauma and stress can have a negative effect on our physical and mental health. Common responses can be living in a state of fear and anxiety and, for some, panic. But, maintaining our emotional balance, mental sharpness, and wise decision-making have never been more important. Coping knowledge from our ancestors and our traditions help to bring reassurance, peace, and calm to disruptive and frightening situations. We call on that now.
However, the Coronavirus pandemic requires that we remain physically distant from our family members and friends. It also means that we must be physically distant from our ceremonies and dances that bring us joy and help us to refuel and rebalance.
Connecting online and via phone is important. We are sharing some tribal resources that you can watch online, and we hope they will fill your heart and strengthen your emotional reserve.
The New England MHTTC works with communities, including tribal communities, in the New England region to implement best practices. Contact Holly Echo-Hawk for more information.
Stay safe, stay strong.