The concept of an intense, Native American, traditional healing center has been a consistent dream among indigenous treatment providers for many years. In direct response to the therapeutic needs of Native American clients who chronically abuse alcohol but who are not responding to treatment, we developed this program. The use of the word "society" better reflects our philosophy of holistic social bonding and spiritual/cultural devotion. Referred to as "relatives", these participants move out of our normal facility and into the HBS ceremonial grounds. Sessions, some meals, and occasionally an "over-nighter" take place in the hogan, tipi, or shade arbors. Relatives begin to take on special responsibilities and be given privileges as time develops. To maintain momentum, most clients will cycle through the module several times a year. There are three critical components to this program;

First, this program largely utilize healing and spiritual practices from both Dine'(Navajo) and Inter-tribal traditions. Although traditional practices are emphasized, other stress/coping/life-skill strategies such as those suggested by University of New Mexico's CASAA's "Community Reinforcement Model" are easily integrated within this same traditional context.

Second, the program is a more of training ground for "Positive Warrior-tough-mindedness" (WTM) rather than the typical educational model found in many treatments centers. Normal treatment models have failed this population. Our PWTM program emphases self-sufficiency, self-esteem, coping skills, spiritual and psychological inner-power, stress resiliency, life appreciation, alternatives to drinking, family values, cultural identity, and personal pride. These experiences are already present in the traditional Dine' "Beauty-Way" philosophy.

Most of these clients are currently trapped in a destructive pattern which we call Negative Warrior tough-mindedness; a pattern characterize by callousness, unresponsiveness, isolation, and ultimately self-destruction. As an essential survival mechanism, these clients have been forced to "close down" emotionally. This program will attempt to convert these powerful negative attributes into powerful positive attributes ("Against all odds, we walk in beauty"). [Note that our chronic women rate even higher on our Negative WTM scales than our men.] Third, the program is designed to have as much emotional impact and intensity as possible. The focus is on human experiences rather than strictly education. Program activities emphasize participation, challenge, respect, emotional healing, self-empowerment, and family values.

The Hinn'ah Bits'os Society (HBS or "Eagle Plume Society")is an intensely structured 23.5 day inpatient and outpatient program. The curriculum runs 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with evening activities seven days a week. No visitations or outside contact are allowed for the first seven days. Later Client-Relatives can contact their families for joint participation in the program. The basic philosophy of the program utilizes components of Native American K'e (Clanship system), education, life-skill development, general counseling, and Native American cultural values. The core structure of HBS is composed of five protocol types; Talking Circles, Both Dine' and inter-tribal Sweat-Lodge ceremonies, minor mountain tobacco ceremonies, group and individual counseling, and family intervention.

K'e (Clan System) plays a significant role in the lives of Dine' people. K'e represents one's self-identity and one's roots. No matter what Nation we are of what happens in our life we will always have a Mother, Father, Maternal Grandfather, and Paternal Grandfather. Our blood or clan relatives all represent who we are and where we come from. K'e teachings help each relatives to regain, reinforce, or develop living skills. In keeping with the K'e teachings, both HBS staff and HBS clients are "relatives."

Our educational groups are about the spiritual, physical, mental effects of illegal substances from both the Western and traditional perspective.

Skill development helps relatives (clients) learn and practice the tools they will need for sober living such as communication, self-awareness, assertiveness, and problem solving.

There are large and small group therapy sessions, one on one counseling, and family interventions. Recreation, social activities, physical exercise, and community-building activities are also provided. This component stresses getting in touch with feelings, attitudes, and behaviors, and laying the foundation for emotional growth.

Within our Native American traditional component, there are Sweat-Lodge ceremonies, minor mountain tobacco ceremonies, talking circles, and lectures by our elders. On the second day our relatives begin sewing their cornmeal bags. Once complete, they are blessed with prayers and sacred songs. The relatives then begin going out each dawn to make their daily affirmations (prayers).

Sweat-Lodge ceremonies are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm for men, Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm for women.

Activities such as winter games (e.g. "Shoe games") story telling, gourd are held at their appropriate time of the year. Our staff elders are available to help relatives (clients) clarify and reassess their old and new values.

Harrison Jim

Traditional Counselor Supervisor

2/3/00

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Last modified: May 24, 2005