Addressing Disproportionate Representation and Cycles of Incarceration:
The initiative recognizes that incarcerated Native individuals often struggle with addiction, generational trauma, and disconnection from their culture and spirituality, which contribute to cycles of incarceration, substance abuse, and disempowerment. By providing culturally grounded spiritual and rehabilitative support. The initiative aims to foster healing and reduce recidivism.

 

Combating Cultural and Spiritual Disconnection:
A key systemic issue is the lack of programming within correctional institutions that incorporates Native belief systems, ceremonies, or culturally relevant recovery paths. This includes delivering Native-led spiritual programming such as sweat lodge ceremonies (where permitted), talking circles, medicine wheel teachings, traditional songs, prayers, substance abuse wellness (Wellbriety) and language education. 

 

Filling the Gap in Culturally Relevant Programming:
The initiative explicitly states that many correctional and AA/NA-affiliated institutions lack programming that incorporates Native belief systems. To address this, the project will train and certify ___ Native spiritual and cultural advisors to serve institutions. This aims to build capacity for sustained culturally relevant support. 

 

Promoting Holistic Healing and Reentry:
The overarching goal of the initiative is to support holistic healing among Native populations within correctional facilities. By incorporating cultural reentry planning, and expungement. The initiative aims to support individuals in their transition back to their communities, further addressing the systemic challenge of reintegration after incarceration.

 

Collaboration for Systemic Change:
The initiative recognizes the need for systemic collaboration by planning to work with tribal governments, corrections departments, AA/NA H&I chapters, and local Native organizations. This collaborative approach seeks to ensure compliance, authenticity, and broader buy-in for culturally centered rehabilitation within the justice system by using survey and currently unavailable demographic data on the influence of cultural specific recidivism and reintegration.