Our Children Are Sacred
A Native-Led Journey
For over a decade, Proof Alliance has worked alongside Native communities to provide FASD support, raise awareness and co-create culturally-informed services. This ongoing partnership has led to the development of Our Children Are Sacred, an initiative shaped and driven by Native leaders to address prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD within Tribal communities.
Guided by a co-creation team of Tribal community leaders, our collaboration has resulted in many innovative outcomes, including public service announcements, screening initiatives in clinics, intensive case management, an online webinar series, community training, educational resources and the Our Children Are Sacred mobile app.
Solutions Rooted in Culture
The history of prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD in Native American communities is complex and deeply rooted in our social, cultural and historical contexts. Programs that honor and integrate Indigenous cultural practices and values are vital for engaging Native communities effectively in addressing FASD. Many Native communities are actively working to increase awareness of the risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, weaving traditional knowledge into prevention strategies and enhancing access to health care and support services.
Proof Alliance is committed to supporting these efforts by providing Native-specific community grants, training, communication tools and resources through the Our Children Are Sacred program. This collaboration, led by Co-Creation team of relatives leading work in their communities, ensures that our solutions are culturally relevant and resonate deeply with the communities we serve.
Meet the Co-Creation Team
We are honored to recognize our incredible Co-Creation Team, a dedicated group of relatives leading vital work in their communities. Their insights, passion and leadership drive the success of the Our Children Are Sacred initiative, ensuring that the programs we create reflect the needs and strengths of Native communities. We are grateful for their commitment to building a brighter future for all.
Valerie DeCora Guimaraes
Ho-Chunk Nation
Michelle Robertson
White Earth Nation
Kip Perkins
Red Lake Nation
Dustina Gill Sisseton
Wahpeton Oyate
Marisa Anywaush
Pezihutazizi Oyate
Misty GreenCrow
Ho-Chunk Nation
Recognizing Past Co-Creation Team Members
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed past members of the Co-Creation Team:
- Betty Green Crow (Ho-Chunk Nation),
- Berdina Tsosie (Navajo)
- Jean Sauter (First Generation Descendent of White Earth Nation)
- Dedria A Keeble (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate)
- Susan Beaulieu (Anishinaabe Citizen of the Red Lake Nation)
- Dawn A. Yazzie (Navajo)
- Dorene Day (Bois Forte Minnesota Chippewa Tribe)
- Jacqueline Beaulieu (Descendant of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe)
- Jim Knutson-Kolodzne (Ottawa Nation)
Your leadership and dedication as Native leaders have been instrumental in shaping these initiatives and advocating for the well-being of our communities. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to fostering positive change.
Additional Resources
If you would like to learn more about Our Children Are Sacred, please contact brittenany.gillespie@proofalliance.org.
FASD Informed Resources and Tools for the Native Community
Explore FASD-informed resources and tools created by and for Native communities.
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Meet the Native American Community Grant Recipients
Our grant recipients are dedicated to addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and prenatal alcohol exposure within their communities.
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Stay Informed with the Proof Alliance E-Newsletter
Sign up for our twice-monthly e-newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and events related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and prenatal alcohol exposure.
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