Matt Miller, Director of the VA Office of Suicide Prevention, extended his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in Day 2 of the Gathering to Prevent Suicide Among American Indian & Alaska Native Service Members, Veterans, & their Families. "Thank you for the critical work you and your team in the VA Office of Suicide Prevention are doing every day," he stated.
The event was held on Tribal land in Minnesota, home to 11 federally recognized Tribes. Acknowledging this, Miller said, “All this country is Tribal land. And this is my home, Minnesota.”
Numerous individuals and organizations were recognized during the gathering. Cicely Burrows-McElwain received a special mention for her continuous involvement in beneficial initiatives. Other notable mentions included Stacey Owens and partners from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), as well as members from various Native American organizations like the National Indian Health Board and the National Congress of American Indians.
Addressing attendees including Tribal leaders and veterans, Miller reaffirmed VA's respect for Tribal governments and its commitment to preventing veteran suicide among Native American communities. He emphasized that the conference aimed at listening to participants rather than merely disseminating information.
Miller highlighted several initiatives grounded in listening to community needs. One such initiative was Mission Daybreak's grand challenge in 2022 aimed at finding new suicide prevention solutions by incorporating diverse perspectives. Televeda won first place with their web-based application called Hero’s Story designed to combat social isolation among vulnerable populations.
Hero’s Story is described as an innovative app tailored to meet the needs of Veteran and Native American communities through traditional mental health interventions like talking circles and storytelling sessions. The app offers peer support groups and access to local Tribal resources in culturally relevant ways.
Televeda launched Hero’s Story with Navajo Nation at Window Rock Tribal Park in Arizona last May. Teresa Manygoats from Arizona Department of Health praised Televeda for their approach: “They listen intently” and “build trust.”
Miller also mentioned the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (Fox grants) which funds local community organizations to provide community-based solutions tailored to meet veterans' needs effectively. Among 80 awardees, three grantees serve on Tribal land including Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association in Alaska, Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, and Choctaw Nation’s Warrior Wellness Program.
Courtney Trent manages Warrior Wellness which has grown significantly since its launch two years ago during Choctaw Nation Veterans Day Ceremony. The program provides services like drum circle recovery groups, peer support training, trauma-focused services, family retreats, cultural enrichment activities among others.
Sgt Cindy Logan shared her positive experience with Tvshka Ohoyo or Women Warrior group stating it provided a nurturing space where she found healing from military sexual trauma (MST). Petty Officer Sandy Stroud also emphasized the importance of community connections within these programs.
Sandy remarked on a crucial lesson learned: "The community has the answer … if you’re willing to listen." This sentiment echoed throughout Miller's speech emphasizing that future efforts must be based on listening closely to tribal communities’ voices.
The gathering served as a culmination event reflecting lessons learned over numerous conversations about suicide prevention for Native Veterans over two years culminating last month at Trickster Cultural Center National Gathering of American Indian Veterans.
Concluding his address Miller stated: “Today—this work is about so much more than just today… It’s not the end.” He expressed gratitude towards all participants saying their recommendations would form foundations for future efforts while acknowledging there remains much work ahead.
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