RMTLC proposed plan is wholistic in approach, trauma informed, and sensitive to the long history of colonization and intergenerational trauma. The project is culturally informed, recognizing the importance of indigenous world views, tribal cultures, spiritual beliefs, and practices for improving well-being. RMTLC and project partners will draw upon evidenced based practices to help address Opioid Use Disorders and other forms of substance abuse, while at the same time, integrating Indigenous values, beliefs and ceremonies that have been shown to be a source of cultural pride and strength for Tribal youth and families.
Using the Tribal Behavioural Health Agenda (TBHA) as a guide, RMTLC is focusing on the Foundational Elements: 1) Prevention and Recovery Support and 2) Historical Intergenerational Trauma. The Priorities associated with these two foundational elements are:
• Community Mobilization and Engagement
• (PR2) Programming that meets Community Needs (PR1)
• Community Connectedness
RMTLC has adopted the following five (5) major goals/approaches for this TOR project:
1. RMTLC will provide human resources, technical assistance, in-service training, strategic service planning and other support services to our project partners at the four (4) Urban Indian Health Centers and to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians to help each of them develop workplans by the 4th month of the grant period. Each workplan will be specific to the needs of that individual UIHC and to LST
2. RMTLC will assist each participating UIHC in Montana and the Little Shell Tribe in the planning and hosting of small group cultural/prevention activities, on a minimum bi-monthly basis, to strengthen connections among AI/AN community members who are experiencing substance abuse issues with their indigenous culture and traditional teachings; promote positive self esteem and helps reduce opioid use disorder and opioid-related overdoses.
3. RMTLC will initiate an ongoing collaborative process engaging the four (4) participating UIHCs and the Little Shell Tribe in a quarterly strategic planning process to support community healing from historical trauma and enhance local prevention capacity. This strategy will culminate in one large group gathering featuring an Indigenous approach to wellness and sobriety; capacity building and strengthening of community connections.
4. RMTLC will assist each project partner in developing their project plan within the first 90 days of the grant.
5.RMTLC will work with each partner to develop a comprehensive project report that can be shared with Tribal Leaders at the annual Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Health Conference in August 2023.