Finding Healing in Community
In Native American communities, the concept of extended family transforms the entire community into a vast, interconnected unit, emphasizing communal values over individualism. This perspective fundamentally changes how people interact with and care for one another, creating a network of unconditional love and acceptance that encompasses all.
This family-centric view of community fosters a culture of mutual support and collective responsibility. Community members feel a natural inclination to support anyone within their extended community family, just as one would care for their immediate relatives. This support is given freely, without expectation of repayment or recognition.
The story of Tillie Black Bear beautifully exemplifies this spirit of community over individualism. Known as Wa Wokiye Win in Lakota, meaning "Woman Who Helps Everyone," Tillie embodied the essence of selfless service. Long before organized domestic violence shelters existed, she opened her home to survivors, offering safety and support. Her actions demonstrate how the community-as-family concept translates into real-world support for those in need.
Similarly, in isolated Alaskan villages, we see this communal spirit in action through their networks of safety for survivors. These communities have created systems where individuals can find refuge until law enforcement arrives or safe travel to a shelter is possible. This approach showcases how the entire community takes responsibility for the well-being of its members, especially in challenging circumstances.
While only a few examples of community over individualism are displayed here, we know that there are numerous individuals and programs in Tribal communities providing informal and formal supports for survivors and their families. These efforts, both big and small, contribute to the rich tapestry of care and support that defines Native communities. From grassroots initiatives to established programs, each plays a vital role in upholding the values of community-as-family, ensuring that the spirit of mutual support and collective responsibility continues to thrive across Indian Country.
The StrongHearts Native Helpline carries forward this sense of community consistent with native tradition. When you call StrongHearts, you're not just reaching out to a service – you're connecting with family, a community that understands and supports you unconditionally. The helpline embodies the values of community-as-family by providing a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking help and guidance.
StrongHearts offers assistance with the same level of care and respect one would expect within a close-knit family. Callers are met with emotional support, active listening, unconditional understanding, and non-judgment. Adhering to traditional values, StrongHeart advocates do not dictate actions but offer suggestions, respecting each individual's right to choose their own path.
As we recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and approach the ten-year anniversary of Tillie Black Bear's passing, we're reminded of the enduring power of community. The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center's designation of October 1st as Tillie Black Bear Women Are Sacred Day honors her legacy and the continuing influence of her work in Native communities.
From Tillie Black Bear's personal acts of kindness to the community-wide efforts in Alaska villages, and now through resources like the StrongHearts Native Helpline, we see the consistent thread of community care and support. These examples illustrate how the deep-seated value of community-as-family creates a robust support system, ensuring that no individual feels isolated or unsupported.
By embracing these values and extending them to those in need, Native communities continue to strengthen their bonds and create a more compassionate and inclusive society for everyone. This approach to community offers valuable lessons for all societies grappling with issues of individualism and social isolation. It emphasizes the importance of interconnectedness, mutual support, and collective responsibility in creating strong, resilient communities.
Jacqueline Agtuca, “Unci Tillie Black Bear Annual Women Are Sacred Day, October1” RestorationMagazine,(on-line) October, 2021. https://www.niwrc.org/restoration-magazine/october-2021/unci-tillie-black-bear-annual-women-are-sacred-day-october-1
Mona Gable, “Tillie Black Bear Was the Grandmother of the Anti-Domestic Violence Movement”, Smithsonian Magazine (on-line), April 25, 2023. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tillie-black-bear-was-the-grandmother-of-the-anti-domestic-violence-movement-180982037/
Claire Strempie, “With Law Enforcement Sparse, Alaska Villages Build Network of Safety for Survivors” Alaska Beacon, (article posted on-line via AK Alaska Public Media PBS NPR), November 29, 2023. https://alaskapublic.org/2023/11/29/with-law-enforcement-sparse-alaska-villages-build-network-of-safety-for-survivors/
