Don Coyhis: Intergenerational Trauma and the Healing Forest

First the individual must heal, then the family can begin healing; then the community can start to heal; and then the nation can heal. Mr. Coyhis will introduce the concept of Wellbriety as balance and connection to the natural laws that create healing within the native community. Culturally based tools are discussed as a way for changing families. A combination of immense losses and traumatic events that …have perpetrated an entire culture need healing as natives across the nation are encouraged to seek to reinstate cultural ways, language and sacred traditions. The unfortunate consequences of trauma include not believing you have a future, difficulties within families and a distrust of the outside world. This is passed down through direct parent-child interactions and also through interactions with extended family and the community. Healing will take place through application of cultural and spiritual knowledge. Healing of our Native Community is entirely possible.

About Don Coyhis:

Don Coyhis is a member of the Mohican Nation. He currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is the founder and president of White Bison, Inc., an American Indian non-profit corporation that has the following vision: To bring 100 Native American communities in healing by the year 2010. Through the leadership of White Bison, the Wellbriety Movement has taken a prominent role in the recovery of many Native Americans and their communities. In 2002, White Bison, Inc. published the Red Road to Wellbriety: In the Native American Way. This traditionally-based and spiritually-oriented resource is just one of the many recovery support resources developed for the Firestarters and for the Wellbriety Movement. In 2008, White Bison, Inc. also published a new book for youth about life teachings entitled Understanding the Purpose to Life: 12 Teachings for Native Youth written by Don Coyhis. All of the programs, trainings, and resources developed by White Bison are based upon principles, values and laws found in the Teachings of the Native American Elders and the principles and values of the 12 Step program. For the past few years, Don has been called upon to provide technical assistance by national policy organizations such as the White House Office of Drug Control Policy, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and national recovery organizations such as the National Association for Children of Alcoholics to develop prevention campaign materials and prevention and recovery programs for Native American communities. He was also the 2009 Purpose Prize Award winner.