So'oh-Shinálí Sister Project SSSP

Our Indigenous Community Gatherings are open to American Indian/Alaska Native community members and allies representing all areas of Los Angeles County. During these events, traditional knowledge keepers engage community members through cultural teachings, hands-on arts practices and discussion on mental wellness. These events are free of charge and include general PPE supplies, cultural materials, wellness art sessions and lunch.

Healing Plant Medicines events are held in collaboration with local Indigenous herbalists.

These programs have three primary goals:
(1) to engage community members in understanding the connection between land and ancestral traditions and practices
(2) to promote education on herbal medicines and sustainable practices
(3) identify simple practices for community members to develop their own preventative medicines in a sustainable way.

We discuss practical medicine making for specific seasons. For example, in one session we may discuss immune support during the cold/flu season and COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we learn how to make herbal honeys, cough syrups and tea blends to help our community stay well.

Healing Plant Medicine workshops are held online through the Zoom video platform.

Our Beading Circles are hosted in partnership with local Indigenous beading experts. These events create space for Indigenous community members and allies to build relations as we collectively focus on the art of beading and learn about beading as medicine.

This wellness workshop allows community members to focus on learning new techniques and practical skills for a variety of projects, such as: beaded caps, medallions, earrings, lanyards and pop sockets.

We also engage community members in discussion on understanding how mental wellness impacts our day-to-day actions. We discuss topics from practicing patience to dealing with anxietyto specific learning styles. Participants discover how beading promotes wellness through a relaxing, reflective and supportive practice. This series of events has created a very caring environment for participants and facilitators alike as we learn new skills together and build community.