Sooh Shinali Sister Project

Education Services: Education programs and trainings included the development of decolonizing data graphics to help destigmatize understandings of research and empower community to advocate for needs directly through research and data collection. We also developed new educational trainings on social justice in education and supporting Indigenous higher education students. In addition, we initiated a community engagement campaign including five videos designed to center the strengths of our community through contemporary visibility and accurate representation. These videos also uplift underserved subpopulations within our community, including: Indigenous elders, Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ community members and individuals with disabilities.

Leadership Services: We provided professional development training for our staff on Indigenous Research and Evaluation, Indigenous Leadership, Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ Allyship, Workplace Wellness, Strategic Planning, Discrimination and Sexual Harassment. These collective trainings advanced learning, provided practical skill-building opportunities and prepared our team members for interactions with community members. These training sessions also shaped our approach to leadership offerings for outside organizations. Additionally, we were to extend our outreach efforts through development of programming handouts and informational pamphlets distributed at local outreach events.

Wellnes Services: We hosted a series of Indigenous Arts Gatherings that extend our organizations work intersecting holistic wellness services with community-driven, culturally-rooted programming. We also provided wellness supplies to our community members with various medical needs and disabilities to support basic needs. We also provided advocacy training and connection to pertinent resources for caregivers of individuals with disabilities. In addition, we provided wellness training to local/national organizations and colleges. We also facilitated cultural wellness sessions such as beading and belonging.