“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