Thunder Valley and Pine Ridge are important parts of a growing cultural and spiritual movement in Indigenous communities. There are still many native communities in the region that don’t have very many traditional healers or access to cultural teachings, and are struggling as a result. Members of the Thunder Valley community are often invited to other Native communities to assist with healing ceremonies for youth and families. These ceremonies have re-connected tribal people to their culture and identity. In the past two years alone, we have been invited and completed ceremonies for the following communities:

Rosebud Indian Reservation, South Dakota – suicide prevention and healing ceremonies for tribal treatment program and community members
Crow Creek Indian Reservation, South Dakota – healing ceremony for a families affected by cancer
Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota – suicide prevention and healing ceremonies
Fort Totton Indian Reservation, North Dakota – healing ceremonies and cultural exchange
Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, North Dakota – healing ceremonies and cultural exchange
Santee Sioux Indian Reservation, Nebraska – healing ceremony and cultural exchange

This program has proven to be an important way that we can provide cultural and spiritual outreach to other Native communities in the region. To have systematic social change throughout Indian Country, we need to work together for a common goal of healing from the past and working towards the future. Health problems in Native communities have reached epidemic levels: cancer and diabetes are among the top killers of Native Americans in the United States. Through these ceremonies people have defeated many types of cancer and have gathered strength to make life changing decisions to improve their personal health. Young people have also discovered their culture and spirituality, giving them a reason to become more aware of their health. This outreach program is an important way to help other Native communities discover that a combination of traditional healing, western medicine, and healthy habits can lead to a more holistic way of living.