Training and Professional Development

  • 6/5 Pride Month Series: Walking with Tribal Youth

    Walking with Tribal Youth on Their Sacred Journey

    In recognition of Pride Month, Innovations Institute's Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity and the National American Indian and Alaska Native MHTTC are hosting a special four-part webinar series on supporting Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth! Join us every week in June to learn about the historical context of colonization that impacts Native youth, discover the tools and resources that are available, gain strategies for supporting youth and their families, and hear from a lived experience panel.

    Each session begins and ends with a breathing exercise and acknowledgment of attendees tending to their own spirit. Attendees are encouraged to attend all four sessions to embark upon this journey of learning together.

    Register with CECs: https://bit.ly/3MC9FdE 

    Register without CECs: https://bit.ly/45lilO5 

     

    Series Schedule:

    Embarking on a Journey: Where Have We Been?

    Monday, June 5, 1-3 p.m. ET

    Presenters: Lenny L. Hayes & Carla Douglas

    Part 1 of a 4-Part Pride Month series: Walking with Tribal Youth on Their Sacred Journey. This session provides foundational knowledge that prepares participants for their learning over the four-week series. Presenters discuss historical context and the impacts of colonization on Two-Spirit people. Prior to colonization, Two-Spirit young people coming out were celebrated, and they played important roles in Native communities. With colonization came harmful attitudes and views of Two-Spirit people. Differences in terminology between western terms and those used in various tribal communities are also addressed. 

     

    Understanding How to Support Tribal Youth

    Monday, June 12, 1-3 p.m. ET

    Presenters: Lenny L. Hayes, Carla Douglas & Matt Ignacio

    Part 2 of a 4-Part Pride Month series: Walking with Tribal Youth on Their Sacred Journey. This session focuses on the needs of Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth. Risk factors and rates of homelessness, violence against the community, and suicide rates are discussed. Legislation is also addressed and how it is impacting the community; examples of harmful as well as supportive legislation are shared. Best practices for supporting young people are shared, including the importance of listening to young people about their identities, and how to support young people experiencing mental health challenges. 

     

    What Do We Need to Embark on This Journey?

    Tuesday, June 20, 1-3 p.m. ET

    Presenters: Lenny L. Hayes & Carla Douglas

    Part 3 of a 4-Part Pride Month series: Walking with Tribal Youth on Their Sacred Journey. This session focuses on respecting the journey for Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth and also for their families. For youth, becoming who they are is a sacred journey, and parent and family support is crucial. Parents may need support in working through grief or other complicated emotions in their journey to support their young person. Differences in western ideas of healing versus those used in tribal communities are discussed, including ideas around supportive practices. Tools for supporting both youth and their parents are shared, along with ways to educate friends and family on how to best support youth. 

     

    Supporting Native LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Individuals: Panel Focusing on Lived Experience

    Monday, June 26, 1-3 p.m. ET

    Presenters: Lenny L. Hayes, Carla Douglas & Misty Sandoval

    Part 4 of a 4-Part Pride Month series: Walking with Tribal Youth on Their Sacred Journey, is a panel discussion focusing on experiences of supporting native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit people. Panelists share lessons from various perspectives of lived experience; what has helped, what harmed, what providers need to know. The panel also includes a talking circle and a Q&A session on supporting Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth. 

    For more information, contact: Michelle Boardman at michelle.boardman@uconn.edu