Episode 5.
Cultivating Change: Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Rural Social Work: In this episode, Andrea Charles interviews Daniel Spaulding from the Nez Perce Tribe about indigenous communities' unique dynamics and challenges, particularly in the rural context. They discuss growing up in Lapwai, the importance of culture and powwows, and the significance of hair in native culture. They also explore the need for cultural awareness and humility when working with indigenous communities and the role of historical trauma in mental health. The conversation highlights the importance of connecting clients with their culture to promote healing and resilience. The conversation explores the topics of exposure to grief and its impact on mental health, starting the mental health journey, stigma and cultural barriers, behavioral health services in the community, connection to the land and first foods, traditional Nez Perce practices, enmeshed systems within the tribe, navigating the systems as an outsider, and advice for working with Native communities.