2022 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit: "Nuh-Nuh-Muh"

Supporting substance use disorder recovery, prevention,and
harm reduction in tribal and rural communities.

The 2022 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit: "Nuh-Nuh-Muh" Reconnecting and Healing, was held in Vernal, Ut from June 21-24. The summit provided individuals who are affected by the opioid epidemic an opportunity to gather, share resources, and learn from leading opioid use disorder professionals. The summit was developed to bring professionals, family members of those suffering with substance use disorder, and individuals with a substance use disorder together. Over the course of the three days participants were provided with 32 speakers who provided inspiring sessions that emphasize the Medicine Wheel, holistic health, and harm reduction all of which can reduce stigma associated with substance use. A vendor expo was held throughout the conference. This expo highlighted local and statewide agencies, recovery homes, and holistic approaches.  A social pow wow, traditional to Northern Ute culture, was held as part of the summit. Complete with local food trucks and native artisan vendors. It was a community-based celebration of recovery and healing with singing, dancing, and great food. The 2022 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit was a great success. It left participants and speakers alike with valuable knowledge, insight, and respect for one another. 

                   

larry presentation

Speakers provided inspiriting sessions on the
Medicine Wheel, holistic health, and harm reduction

 Over the course of the three day summit participants were provided with 32 speakers. Speakers included harm reduction practices, personal stories, equine therapy, and traditional Native American stories. Larry Cesspooch, Ute filmmaker, story teller, and spiritual leader offered a presentation, "Poowavie Moppaht-The Medicine Wheel and Wavoookie Smudging." He discussed how the Medicine Wheel can help explain our state of being and how we are all related. The Medicine Wheel has been used by generations of various Native American tribes for health and healing. It embodies the Four Directions, as well as Father Sky, Mother Earth, and Spirit Tree-all of which symbolize dimensions of health and the cycles of life. 

panel

Opioid Round Table Discussion

The Opioid Round Table participants included local law enforcement, and prevention, recovery, treatment professionals and was moderated by K. Heath McDougal-Deans, LCSW. The open discussion included participation from conference attendees surrounding the topic of what recovery, treatment, and prevention looks like now and into the future. Participants working in field of substance use disorder and behavioral health expressed the need for more local resources within the Uintah Basin. 

pow wow 2022

Tribal and Rural Opioid Initiative Social Pow Wow

Pow wows, by definition, are Native American gatherings in which American Indians sing,  dance, and reconnect with old friends and celebrate their rich ancestral histories. The Intertribal Opioid Wellness Social Pow Wow and Artisan Expo was an evening of singing, dancing, and celebration. The pow wow included Northern Ute dancers from Eastern Utah, local native artisans, and holistic health vendors. Conference attendees and community members came together, as they enjoyed the traditional gathering of celebration. 

 

 

"I enjoyed seeing how open they are to harm reduction and practice. They have humble spirits yet are willing to do what it takes to overcome what is ailing our relatives. I have met some awesome people here. I kinda don’t want to leave but I have done my part and hopefully left a positive and hopeful footprint to help our southern relatives."

Lissa Yellowbird-Chase, on summit attendees, after delivering her key-note address
                         



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