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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2009)
“Inside every human being is the in nate knowledge of your own well-being — knowledge of how to be a well human being. You inherently know what to do - the only thing remaining is choice,” says Don Coyhis, founder, director and motivational leader of White Bison. White Bison is a proud facilitator of the Wellbriety Movement, which means to be sober and well. The Wellbriety Movement is the 21st century effort on the part of American Indians in recovery to create the opportunity for individuals, families, communities and nations to live sober and balanced lives - healthy lives that are balanced emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Last December, White Bison pro Don Coyhis vided a Vision Training to the Tribal Community Coalition (also known as CEDARR). The training, hosted by the to see big recovery efforts and healing in Healthy Family Healthy Child Project the Siletz community. (HFHCP) of the Siletz Tribe, provided “I love this place and these people,” she said. coalition members with the knowledge, skills and strategies to implement the If the community is to change, the Community Vision Day. new change must occur at the root level. On July 13, Coyhis spent the day with Values, culture, spirituality, teachings and about 20 eager participants. He provided ethics must replace anger, guilt, shame additional training for the Community and fear. Vision Day and it was held at the Siletz This is developed as a result of the Tribal Community Center. community visioning process. We must Coyhis started the day with his own create a healing forest. The idea is that personal story highlighting intergenera- a forest, like a community, is only as tional trauma. healthy as its roots and environment. “I continued to treat my children as I The healing forest is an environment was by my parents until I began my own characterized by positive and shared recovery,” he said. values, nurturing relationships, intercon Historical/generational trauma has nected lives and the respect of one person many causes — boarding schools, assimila for another. In essence, it’s a healthy tion, the removal of our beliefs and way community, an ecological system that nur of life, etc.,” added Bekki Lundy, HFHCP tures, nourishes and replenishes itself. manager. “We all have something to bring, Each of the trees in the forest rep think through and heal from.” resents the individuals in the commu Lynn Whitlow, an active volunteer, nity - children, men, women and elders. coalition member and leader of the Siletz Each one also represents the various sys Valley Partnership, brings a sincere desire tems within the community - families, clans, social practices and community activities. If the root system of the forest is dys functional — that is, driven by anger, fear, guilt and shame - then the forest cannot be healthy. It s critical that we create an envi ronment based upon positive values, such as love, forgiveness, hope and unity. ‘If you don't have passion and deter mination, it won t work,” Coyhis stressed. The vision will come from the one with passion.” Lundy is one of those who has the passion and determination to implement a vision for our community. I do, this is my baby,” she says. Throughout the day, Coyhis shared an important message - “You move toward and become like that which you think about.” Bekki Lundy Lundy shares that same belief. “In order to move forward, we must the White Bison staff. Our way is to seek heal the old wounds that our parents and advice and direction from our elders. grandparents passed on to us and we carry “This movement can assist us in get on to our descendants. We must forgive ting back our culture and cultural ways. to heal, but it is important to never forget Our culture was taken from us in the worst our past, where we come from and where way. We can work together and become we are going,” she said. the healthy people our ancestors were,” Coyhis returned to Siletz for the coali said Lundy. tion training on July 21-23. During this Some say this is going to be a lot of much-anticipated training, he provided work. Coyhis asked the group if the vision tools, built relationships, addressed inter- is possible and the answer was yes! generational healing and helped create a vi If many are going for the same goal, sion and strategic plan for our community. the load will be lighter and the prize at the What will we see after all these end sweeter,” said Lundy. trainings? “There is hope!” added Whitlow, who I would like to think big and see a brings dedication and envisions a better drastic change in Siletz within one year. quality of life for our community, one that If there is interest in starting groups, work is as close to alcohol- and drug-free as groups, meetings, etc., HFHCP staff can possible. Hopefully I will be one of many assist with those,” said Lundy. working toward this end. We do need “What happens after the gatherings input and participation from as much of on July 21-23 will depend on the needs/ the community as possible.” actions that are brainstormed during those Coyhis will return to Siletz on Aug. 19 to meetings and how many are willing to present the vision book to the community. help with the efforts,” said Whitlow, We have the power within this com The White Bison movement is a vi munity to make these changes - changes sion of the Elders, who direct and advise that will impact future generations. USDA Changes Schedule in Salem By Margo Hudson USDA food distribution serves clients in Siletz and Salem. Set appointments are needed for both warehouses. We can be reached at 800-922-1399 ext 1393 or vou can call direct at 541-444-8393 or 541-444-8279. ’ 7 i- Ye ™ Ch^8 u8 OUr SChed“le for ,he Salem chouse to better accommodate th^month) SChedule aPPo,ntments during distribution week (full third week of Seven Steps for Systemic Change Community Readiness — Assessment Decision to Initiate a Change Coalition Building 7 Wellbriety Trainings 6 months later Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Noon — 6:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Call to make an appointment for Siletz (full first week of the month) dates and times. Upcoming events at USDA include food demonstrations for new commodity users to learn to cook with commodities. You do not have to be a new commodity user to join he fun. If you are someone who has used commodities and would like to help please contact us. This should be fun and anyone who would like to help with a dish will receive a small stipend. We can be reached at the numbers above. If you have community service hours you need to get done, are in the self-sufficiency program or are just a concerned citizen of the community, we can use assistance with volunteer time. There is an application process, so please call if you are interested Upcoming distribution weeks: Siletz - Aug. 4-6, and Sept. 8-11 Salem - Aug. 17-20 and Sept. 21 -24 Community Visioning Process ► Vision Book ------------- ► 3 months later 3 months later Planning & Implementation Elders’ Council Meeting Aug. 15*2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Chinook Winds Casino Resort nn5!2??^n,orma‘ion'p,ease con,act An9ela Ramirez at 800-922-1399, ext. 1255; 541-444-8255; or angelar@ctsi.nsn.us August 2009 • Siletz News • 5 Photos by Natasha Kavanaugh » ¿°" ì®comes Rgllity’ Coalition Commits to Community Wellbriety
