dxʷtalx̌cut – mental health in Lushootseed
haʔɬ x̌əčil – behavioral health in Lushootseed
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health as well as emotional well-being are often tied to cultural traditions for Native people. There are many examples of how culture is at the center of caring for the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of Native people. Mental health is also one of the four parts of the Medicine Wheel way of life that is used in many Native communities and practices. The Medicine Wheel, as it relates to health and wellbeing, consists of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health as the four aspects to be tended to and intentionally cared for and balanced to live a healthy lifestyle.
There are elements of being in community, being connected to one another, that plays a huge role in mental health. This is one of the pillars of cultural practices of Native people. Some examples of community services and events that we see in Coast Salish territory that help support mental health are: support groups, recovery services, jam out nights, family culture nights, pow wows, mental health awareness events, and of course mental health and behavioral health services within the tribal health systems of the region.
- Nooksack Indian Tribe – Behavioral Health
- Lummi Tribal Health Center – Behavioral Health
- Upper Skagit Indian Tribe – Health Services
- Samish Indian Nation – Mental Health Awareness Fair
- Swinomish Indian Tribal Community – Behavioral Health
- Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe – Medical & Behavioral Health Clinic
- Stillaguamish Indian Tribe – qʷəlút Healing Center and Behavioral Health Programs
- Tulalip Tribes – Behavioral Health Department
In this region, behavioral health and mental health programming run by tribal nations began during the 1980s. One of the first Native mental health books that was written is called A Gathering of Wisdoms – Tribal Mental Health: A Cultural Perspective by Swinomish Tribal Mental Health Project. There is so much information in this particular book from 1991, as it was the guide for tribal nations who were moving through and initiating the era of self-determination of health services, including mental health services for Native people. In chapter 5 titled, ‘The Importance of Culture for Mental Health’, the authors write,
“If they stick to the traditional Indian ways they may be seen as failures by white society and may feel rather insecure themselves, but they will at least gain the respect and acceptance of many family and tribal members. If they choose the ‘white’ way, they are liable to do so at the expense of family and tribal approval and often of their own psychological well being. Most Indian people choose some mixture of traditional and mainstream value orientations, but only exceptional people are able to completely transcend the confusion, self doubt and frustration created by the conflicted social environment in which they find themselves. A positive cultural identity is crucial for mental health: we must feel at ease with who we are and we must basically like and accept our culture. This does not mean idealizing our culture, only feeling comfortable with our heritage and having a sense of cultural belonging. Cultural identity is of particular importance for Indian people precisely because it has been disrupted by loss of cultural knowledge, attack on Indian ways and destructive social conditions. A negative or confused cultural identity is in itself a mental health problem, often leading to unhappiness, low self-esteem, indecisiveness and self destructive behavior.”
Another book that is used to work on mental health in Native communities is the Red Road to Wellbriety In The Native American Way, released in 2002. This book is commonly used in working with people and groups who are addressing addiction(s). Chapter 11 ‘In The Workplace’ begins,
“Our stereotypes and attitudes tend to cloud our ability to treat one another as individuals first, rather than as members of a certain race. As employers and human resource professionals, we can overcome these stereotypes. We can help ensure that Native Americans in recovery can succeed in the workplace by understanding that recovery takes different forms depending on the individual and their cultural context.”
Finally, in a book released in 2022 by wife and husband duo, Chelsey Luger and Thosh Collins titled, The Seven Circles Indigenous Teachings For Living Well, discusses a modern day Native Indigenous approach to balance and wellness. In chapter 3, ‘Community’, the authors write,
“Community is a critical piece to living a balanced life because it gives individuals a purpose, and it provides people with a role, which leads to feeling motivated, important and driven. Anyone who has ever felt a sense of loss or confusion while unemployed or going through growing pains of adolescence knows how good it feels to finally find your path. Kinship gives us a sense of responsibility for others, which in turn fosters self-worth, belonging, leadership, empathy, confidence, and compassion. It feels good to fulfill the needs of others who rely on you, whether they are your children, parents, or colleagues.
“Community extends beyond our present-day, immediate social and familial networks. The Indigenous worldview of community includes our ancestors and our descendants. It is intergenerational. By following this definition of community and kinship, we can remain simultaneously connected to the past, present, and future. We can learn from history, we can contribute to the present, and we can set the stage for a better future. Today, still, a commitment to community is not an entirely selfless pursuit. We must remember that we rely on our communities just as much as they rely on us. On our wellness journeys, we must stay humble and remember that without relationships, we are nothing.”
In conclusion, as a mother, daughter, sister, Native woman, and professional wanting wellness and wellbeing for the community I come from, in thinking about how culture and mental health go hand-in-hand for many Native people, I often find myself wrestling with questions like ‘Who are we without the community that claims us?’ and ‘Who are we without culture?’ I think the very essence of colonialism and settler colonialism is the attempt to force Native people into not knowing themselves, who they are, and where they come from. I believe that the way to combat colonialist efforts is rooted in keeping traditions alive that predate colonialism on this land. And to pass on that knowledge and grounding in culture to the next generations.
The youth that I work with who are seated on the local tribal youth councils often express that mental health is one of the major issues that they are still seeing in their respective communities. They also name culture as a way to be connected to one another and build strength within themselves and each other to face the everyday challenges of today’s society. The month of May is a time to reflect on how mental health impacts all communities, and that each community has different approaches and measures of success when it comes to addressing mental health.
Resources
- National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Addressing Mental Health in Native American Communities
- 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit (SAMHSA)
- Mental Health (Indian Health Services)
Reflection Questions
- What are ways that you or your community address mental health needs?
- When did you first become aware of mental health in your family or community? What was that experience like for you? Did you have support, if so, where did support come from?
- What are some ways we can support the mental health needs of youth and elders in the North Sound region?