Recap

As autumn 2025 approaches, I reflect on a year of meaningful progress in Indigenous wellness work. September brought valuable experiences in Big Pine, CA., including an immersive week with colleagues practicing traditional ceremonies and grounding techniques that reinforced our collective approach to healing.

At the National Indian Health Board Conference at Wild Horse Pass, my presentation on integrating traditional and contemporary healing practices sparked significant dialogue among healthcare providers and tribal leaders.

This month marked my acceptance as Chairwoman for the Rural and Indigenous Community Committee within Arizona's Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium—a position focused on developing trauma-informed approaches that honor Indigenous perspectives.

My commitment to personal wellness continued at the Albuquerque Recovery Gathering, where I experienced Indigenous dry needling therapy—reinforcing that effective community support begins with self-care.

I'm particularly pleased to announce my new role as Technical Assistant Consultant for the Opioid Response Network supporting the Southwest region. This free resource is available to all Indigenous communities seeking wellness support. If your community would benefit from these services, please contact the Opioid Response Network directly.

I recently spent a week at Portland's National Wellbriety Conference to discuss approaches that strengthen both individual and community recovery paths.

Key Initiatives Throughout 2025

January: Completed specialized training on identifying and addressing human trafficking affecting Native communities through healthcare systems.

February: Contributed to the Maternal Mortality Review Committee while presenting on traditional dance as a healing practice at UCLA.

March: Took Indigenous Health Policy initiatives to our Senate in Washington, DC and facilitated a blanket exercise educating on Indigenous historical trauma at the 7 Generations conference.

April: Collaborated with an Indigenous botanist on plant medicine practices and organized a culturally-centered sobriety event structured around medicine wheel teachings.

May: Marked my 41st Birthday with renewed commitment to my wellness journey, my family's wellbeing and this work.

June: Facilitated talking circles with the Hualapai Tribe, strengthening connections across the reservation.

July: Presented alongside my children at the Indigenous Substance Use Disorder Treatment Summit in Minnesota, sharing perspectives on family recovery and Arizona's community-based approaches.

August: Led community yoga sessions and received recognition as Arizona's Best Wellness Practitioner—an acknowledgment of our collective efforts rather than individual achievement.

The path forward involves honoring traditional knowledge while developing responsive approaches to contemporary challenges. I invite you to participate in this important work as we continue building wellness resources that will benefit generations to come.

With respect and determination,

Casandra (Cas)