Healing Our Nation
Healing Our Nation Community Event
January 2016
In partnership with the Yavapai-Apache Nation, Camp Verde/Middle Verde, AZ
Healing Our Nation is a long-standing community initiative designed to address critical issues impacting tribal communities, including suicide prevention, sexual abuse, substance misuse, and cultural identity loss. This event brings together youth, elders, educators, and service providers in a shared space of healing, dialogue, and cultural celebration. Starting with this first event, the CORE Partners Initiative participants leveraged their resources to provide the community with dynamic speakers, lunch, and an introduction to services they may not be aware of.
Featuring powerful guest speakers such as Perci Ami (Hopi Grandmother), RunningHorse Livingston (Founder of Mathematize), Waylon Pahona (Founder of Healthy Active Natives), Troy Whitethorne (Navajo Artist and Designer), Arlin Blackcloud Carlton (Yavapai-Apache Nation ASA Counselor) and others, the event centers on themes of spiritual well-being, historical trauma recovery, and cultural revitalization.
Highlights include:
• Youth engagement from six school districts, with over 80 youth transported and welcomed the elders with a meal.
• Cultural presentations by Yavapai-Apache gourd singers.
• Community service led by UNITY, Mingus Union High School, and South Verde Native American Clubs.
• Collaborative planning by CORE Partners and sponsorship from multiple tribal departments.
• Launch of the Nation’s first service directory, mapping local resources for ongoing support.
This event continues to serve as a model for intergenerational healing, ethical leadership, and culturally grounded service delivery—reflecting PGC’s commitment to transformational impact rooted in Indigenous values.
Visit the speakers websites and articles below:
https://mathematize.org/about/
https://nativelifeway.com/waylonpahona-com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Healthyactivenatives/
https://www.wfwp.us/herstory-awardees/2022/8/18/grandmother-pershlie-ami
https://www.instagram.com/troi_lynn_whitethorne/?hl=en
https://lakepowellchronicle.com/stories/sacred-native-fashion-show-garners-national-attention,9014
