Nez Perce Tribe Law and Justice Services for Tribal Police, Social Services and Juvenile Programs

Nez Perce Tribe

 2022 CTAS Purpose Area 3

                                                                                          Abstract
 

The Social Services Department of the Nez Perce Tribe is applying for funding assistance over the next four years to establish All The People ((Laʼámwa), a program to help establish a deeper connection among Tribal members to each other, community, and culture while helping to reduce substance abuse and violence. The program will strengthen resiliency and involvement in Tribal community as an impediment to those who would otherwise be tempted to engage in illicit activity. To address the need for addressing root issues and collective healing for individuals, families, and community, the path to healing is based on collaborative cultural learning and doing.

Project activities will:

Establish two full time Family Coordinator positions and provide necessary interpersonal and curriculum training for them to provide culturally-relevant, trauma-informed, and effective prevention services for all ages on the reservation;
Provide peer support services to Tribal youth, adults, and families by serving as peer mentors and by using the program's designated evidence-based curricula;
Provide inclusive cultural programs and activities in a safe, secure setting which are evidence-based in promoting individual and collective resiliency and recovery from the impact of opiate, alcohol, and substance abuse and violence on Tribal members and their communities.

The nationally recognized Wellbriety & Celebrating Families and Mothers of Tradition and Fathers of Tradition curricula will be used to impart personal and collective skills-building in resiliency and trauma-informed, cultural healing. A year round calendar will be developed with cultural workshops and activities (ex., regalia making, storytelling, dance, Native harvests, bow- making, etc.) available to Tribal children, youth, families and elders, led at least once per month by Nez Perce knowledge keepers and cultural experts. Program officials maintain an active list of participatory elder, mentor, and culture bearer instructors;. Children and youth who are in the Tribe's Minors in Need of Care (MINOC) program will have opportunities to engage with the Nez Perce Horse Program with horsemanship lessons and experiences each month for participants to gain a sense of personal and shared accomplishment as they engage with the rich heritage of the Nez Perce people and their renowned horse culture. Family reunification whenever possible will serve as a cornerstone of the project, as will be honoring those who choose to participate in the program and the immense community investment in collective healing for children, youth, families and community through this program. w