Indigenous people in the United States have survived centuries of oppression, misunderstanding, marginalization, and neglect, which have taken a serious toll on the physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing of the native community. Native Americans experience PTSD more than twice as often as the general population. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10-34 year-olds who identify as Native American, and Native youth use and abuse alcohol and other drugs at younger ages, and at higher rates, than any other demographic. Despite these challenges, tribal communities are eager to embrace healing and restorative work that combines Western medicine with the wisdom and practices of traditional healing.
How do we work with Indigenous communities?
Our approach with Indigenous communities is comprehensive, inclusive, and collaborative, and is focused on healing the impacts of past and present trauma. We honor indigenous healing traditions, and recognize the contributions that these practices and perspectives have had on the mind-body tools we use today. CMBM Faculty also regularly collaborate with indigenous communities and organizations around the world to support the integration of mind-body medicine into larger efforts to address historical trauma and the ongoing impacts of colonialism and genocide.
Our work with Indigenous communities
Since 2009, The Center for Mind-Body Medicine has partnered closely with tribal communities across the Great Plains, as well as in the Southwest and Alaska. Hundreds of community leaders from several tribes have completed our training and are integrating the model into their communities; many thousands of Native American children and adults have experienced the CMBM model through our signature Mind-Body Skills Groups.
