What is A Warriors Homecoming?

It focuses on creating awareness of the culture and practices of regional Indian tribes among VA staff. It provides excellent education for staff that, if leveraged, can be used to foster understanding of the local Native American culture, enhance relationships with the Native American Community, and lead to better patient outcomes.
Additionally, in the beginning it will serve as the foundation for Native American Veterans who have returned or are returning from a combat environment to heal in a traditional manner that is recognized among the original indigenous peoples of the southeastern United States.

During pre-colonial and pre-removal periods, the warriors were often separated from their village for a period of time in preparation for battle, both mentally and spiritually. Upon their return they were also separated from the village for a period of mental and spiritual cleansing and purification.

Historically, a higher percentage of Indian people serve in the armed forces compared to the general US population (24% compared to 19%). Surveys conducted among Vietnam era veterans indicate that Indian people frequently served in forward combat areas, largely in the infantry, and 42% were exposed to heavy combat. As a result, these veterans have a high level of service related health care needs, including the highest rate of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among ethnic groups studied.

Who can attend?

A Warriors Homecoming is designed to support the needs of two specific groups directly: Native American Veterans and their Mental Health providers. There will be forty-eight (48) participant openings to be shared between veterans and mental health specialists.

In an ideal world these "slots" would be equitably distributed between both target groups of individuals. Though in recognition of current federal and state veteran program funding levels it may only be possible to have participants from this target group of only eight to twelve individuals, leaving the remaining "slots" open to Native American Veterans.

Further, with the introduction of women into the military and combat duty, at least one of the groups of fifteen (15) should be comprised of women veterans, elders, and mental health providers. This is for a couple reasons, though primarily to adhere to traditional ways of men and women participating in certain separate ceremonies or activities.

Tentative Program Topics/Presentations

§ What is a Warrior?
§ Who is a Warrior?
§ Cultural Importance of the Warrior
§ Why do we continue to serve?
§ Changes is basic training, and preparation for battle
§ Traditional preparations for battle
§ Cultural impact of foreign wars and deployments on Native American Veterans
§ The battlefield and causes of PTSD
§ The symptoms of PTSD
§ Returning warriors today
§ Traditional return of warriors
§ Treatment of PTSD
§ Warriors, and IHS/VA health services
§ Traditional ways of cleansing, healing and spiritual restoration

Each topic/presentation will last about fifty (50) minutes followed by a short break and the separation into discussion groups of fifteen (15) for about fifty (50) minutes before moving on to the next topic/presentation.