IDENTITY

Sharing Ones Skin

"Sharing Ones Skin" talks about how 4 core values that make someone something, all connect to form a community. This community is built on strong foundations that every person's values play part in making any community unique. I relate to this because I believe that no matter how big or small you can form a community that all involves your different unique values, beliefs, that create memories soon to become history, something that carries on in the community.

How Place Names Impact The Way We See Landscape

"How Place Names Impact The Way We See Landscapes" In the Native view places that are named is for a reason, it has meaning, it has history, a story to tell, or is a sacred place for someone. Its how we stay connected to the land spiritually, emotionally, its what we call place identity. This I connect to and i see the way by having that connection to the land you can connect better with yourself, having that ability to have a connection can be a mind opener, could be a healing agent too. It helps in different ways for everyone.

And Then I Went To School

"And Then I Went To School" In this article it talks about how much of the cruel world Native children had to face back then in the early boarding school days. The day's being at school Native kids had to adapt, really having them forget their Native ways quick , also having to switch lifestyles from being so close with home and having a sense of belonging all to just slip away. Having that overwhelming feeling and being punished for talking their language while not understanding the English tongue it was instilled in them to change. This means to me that no matter where you are in the white man's world you always gots to cherish and remember who you are and where your from. Prayer and belief is what guides us to better things in life and it's important to remember, share, and expose to the new generations to come.

HISTORY

"Examining Expressive Art Therapies"

The Article by Lisa Bridges "Examining Expressive Art Therapies" was proven to help individuals reconnect with themselves, it was found that people were to express in one way but deeper hidden emotion is only heard through listening to the heart. Doing these activities bring visual, emotional, cognitive aspects of processing situations. Expressive art is from the heart, there are no limitations as to one can express, and heal from art.

"Role of Art Therapy In The Promotion of Mental Health"

In this article it's mainly about trials held on adults about clinical mental illness how its 12% of the global disease burden, two out of three of people worldwide don't receive any mental health care. For thousands of years people practiced and dependent on the arts for self-expression, healing, and communication. Soon doctors began to realize that people with mental illnesses go to drawing and other artworks as a technique to heal. Community based art has been known to heal the mental well being, increases sense of value and self-esteem.

Art As Empowerment , The Virtue Of Art Therapy

This was a TedxTalk made by Ann Lawten it emphasizes that art therapy is something that everyone should experience and explore, everyone is born with a creative nature and as you grow up from kids you tend to lose it. Through art therapy you can reawaken that lost imagination and creativity by just grabbing a sheet of paper and doodle, exploring color, painting, going outside and using your environment as your canvas you can set statements and with that is true art. Art from the heart is pure.

CURRENT STATE

Drug and Alcohol Addiction By Generation :

Facts and Statistics

Statistics shown from 2022 National Survey On Drug Use And Health show different multitude of factors that lead each generation misuse of substance and alcohol for different age groups. Trends regarding substance use different among generations, Gen Z from ages 18 to 25 13.3 million people have reported marijuana usage in 2022, comparing to 2021 its increased by 1 million people. Opioid usage is another increase, from 2021 to 2022 opioid usage has increased from 1.07 mill to 1.12 million. Cocaine usage for 25+ years old grew to 1 million people using.

NIH Awards 12 Million Grant To Study How Indigenous Cultures Can Fight Substance Abuse

In the article John Hopkins Center For Indigenous Health received a 12 million dollar grant that is aimed to help indigenous communities that struggle with substance abuse and mental health. There were 3 studies funded by the grant. 1st study aims for long term results, working with families in early childhood stages, 2nd study is a intervention program that protects young Alaskan Islanders, and American Natives (AI/AN) men from substance use, 3rd study explores tribal leadership and finds ways to incorporate harm reduction policies within traditional communities

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Puerto Rico

Mental health and substance abuse have become major public health concerns in Puerto Rico, where economic struggles, natural disasters, and limited access to health care have increased rates of depression , anxiety, and addiction in many communties.

Sweden

In Sweden, Menta health and substance abuse are important public health issues, with the country focusing on prevention, counciling services,, and treatment programs, to adress rising concerns about depression, alcohol use, and drug addiction.

Mexico

In Mexico, mental health and substance abuse challenges are affected by poverty, violence, and limited access to healthcare, leading to growing concerns about depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and drug addiction

Action Plan

The idea I had for my action was having a painting therapy session, I invited some of my friends and people from the first floor to come to the study room. It ended up turning out great, after 8:30 curfew I had my participants each get a medium sized canvas to paint on. I supplied the brushes, paint, and a prompt as reference to paint. The prompt I had for them was "Paint something that represents you". Until 10 everyone was talking, painting, and just hanging out. During those moments I ws able to see that my friends were able to be creative, talkative, and it was a comfortable place for us to be ourselves. At the end of the night before leaving I had everyone take the time to give feedback on each other's paintings. This made me realize even more that by this we were able to connect with one another and give good criticism.