We believe when these innate, cultural protective factors are brought into play, the natural resilience of children will be realized. Our beliefs, values, or philosophy must be incorporated into any work done with our children. Social service providers, educators, and others must help Indian families become safe and secure places for children. Researchers and evaluators need to use culturally competent research and evaluation designs in Native schools and communities to capture and interpret the essence of our growth accurately. Cultural teachings unearth individual resilience as documented with many personal stories in Wounded Warriors by Doyle Arbogast.
Cultural practices unlock our human potential.
I have a special bond with it. I know that a lot of the others find the greater part of their strength in other things like the sweatlodge and the pipe. For me, I get my strength from the drum. I have a seed inside that needs to be nourished before it will grow. When this seed gets a little nourishment, like permission and encouragement, or an invitation for myself to nourish it, it begins to sprout.