| 1. The Four Winds/Canoe Journey as a Metaphor |
Introduce and discuss the Four Winds, a traditional Suquamish spiritual concept that can be used to frame daily life and teach life skills; discuss the Northwest Native traditional Canoe Journey and how it can serve as a metaphor for life. Other traditional Suquamish beliefs are also discussed. Information about alcohol is also included
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| 2. How am I Perceived? Media Awareness and Literacy |
Focus on how American Indians/Alaska Natives are portrayed in the media; learn how to recognize when stereotypes are being used, how AI/AN culture has been exploited, how AI/AN history has been misrepresented, and how to stand up against stereotypes. Information about prescription drugs is also included.
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| 3. Who am I? Beginning at the Center |
Learn about Suquamish values, traditional ways to introduce oneself, self- awareness and integrity, and how to use the concept of the Four Winds as a part of selfdefinition. Participants are encouraged to explore the idea of a physical self, mental self, emotional self and spiritual self. Information about marijuana is also included.
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| 4. Community Help and Support: Help on the Journey |
Learn about the importance of community, how they are a part of many communities, and the importance of giving back to their community; learn how to identify where they can go for help in their own community; learn about what it means to be a mentor and how they can become mentors for those around them. Information about club drugs and stimulants is also included.
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| 5. Who Will I Become? Goal Setting |
Explore what kinds of goals are important and learn a step-by-step approach to setting goals; begin to understand the importance of goal setting and learn how to cope with obstacles that might hinder achieving set goals. Information about hallucinogens is also included.
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| 6. Overcoming Obstacles: Solving Problems |
Learn how to recognize when they are having a problem, learn ways to solve problems and make good decisions, and discuss where they can go when they do have a problem; learn how to define a problem, brainstorm solutions, pick the best solution, make and act on a plan, and review/revise the plan if needed. Information about nicotine is also included.
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| 7. Listening |
Teach listening skills - effective listening is discussed; the importance of listening is illustrated through storytelling and other traditional activities. Suquamish values stress respect and the belief that you must be an effective listener before you can become an effective communicator. Information about methamphetamines is also included.
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| 8. Effective Communication: Expressing Thoughts and Feelings |
Teach effective communications skills, how to disagree respectfully, refusal and assertiveness skills and how to deal with peer reactions to assertiveness; participants practice positive ways to resolve conflict and to express feelings. Information about opiates is also included.
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| 9. Moods and Coping with Negative Emotions |
Learn about different emotions and positive and negative self-talk. This session is facilitated by the use of the Suquamish “Ten Rules of the Canoe”; learn about depression and suicide, how to cope with negative emotions and difficult situations, and how to find a safe person or place to express emotions. Information about inhalants is also included.
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| 10. Safe Journey without Alcohol/Drugs |
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| 11. Strengthening our Community |
Focus on finding leaders within the Suquamish community to serve as role models; learning about the Boldt decision, about leadership, and how to make good choices within the Suquamish community. Includes field trips into the community to volunteer with important community projects.
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| 12. Honoring Ceremony |
This ceremony is a way to acknowledge youth for the completion of the program and honor their unique attributes. Mentors are invited by the youth to attend and have the opportunity to talk about the youth and their accomplishments. tribal Elders, leaders and families are also invited to witness the ceremony and share a meal.
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