WELL FOR CULTURE – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we talk about the ways that social media and time spent in the digital world can harm our health, and why this is potentially the biggest public health crisis of our time

Currently in Native country is a resurgence of Indigenous fatherhood teachings and practices, as well as an evolving role of Indigenous fathers in their families and communities. In this conversation WFC Co-Founder Thosh Collins sat down with his friend and collegue Dr Joshuaa Allison-Burbank during a Native Wellness Institute Power Event that was live on Facebook. Josh is a Diné / Pueblo Man and father of 2 from Tohatchi, NM on the Navajo Nation. Josh received an MA in 2015 and a PhD in 2020 in speech-language pathology from University of Kansas. He also attended the University of New Mexico completing undergraduate degrees in speech and hearing sciences. Josh's research and clinical interests include autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders associated with cleft/craniofacial differences, disability surveillance, early intervention, and culturally responsive service delivery. Josh is an adjunct lecturer at the University Vermont Medical Center. Josh has facilitated numerous workshops and technical assistance related to early childhood programming and diversity initiatives across Indian Country. Josh currently works as a speech-language pathology at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM. Thosh also co-authored, with Josh, a chapter called American Indian Fathers and their Sacred Children in recently the published book called ‘Handbook of Fathers and Child Development’. Handbook of Fathers and Child Development by Fitzgerald, H.E., von Klitzing, K., Cabrera, N., Scarano de Mendonça, J., Skjøthaug, Th. (Eds.) https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030510268 
To learn more about Josh’s work and consulting business visit his website at https://www.lilmoccasins.com/About. Instagram: @ndnslp

Reestablishing our relationships with food is perhaps the most critical step toward reclaiming Indigenous health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, the food conversation can be overwhelmingly complex, but we’ve broken down some of the basics and shared our thoughts to help you start viewing food more like your ancestors did. Topics covered in this episode include the impact of colonialism on modern health; Indigenous values-based food choices; why we don’t say “diet,”; no more one-size-fits-all solutions; the mental/physical/spiritual/emotional components of food; mindful eating; what is ancestral food; and much, much more ! This is the first of many FOOD episodes to come.

In this episode, we break down an Indigenous perspective on the importance of MOVEMENT for total health. Contrary to popular belief, movement is not just PHYSICAL, it is also MENTAL, SPIRITUAL, AND EMOTIONAL. We need movement in our lives for preventative healthcare, for healing, and for functioning at our best capacities. Tune in to hear about the many, many ways that movement impacts our lives, and find out how to go about starting your fitness or movement practice.

In this episode, we sit down with Jillene Joseph (A'aninin), the Executive Director of the Native Wellness Institute, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the healing and wellness of Indigenous people. She shares NWI's founding story, and the role it played in the development of the wellness movement in Native country. Jillene also shares some favorite moments from her career, and advice on maintaining wellness in your life.

In this episode, Chelsey and Thosh share their backgrounds and personal stories. You’ll find out where they come from, why they became passionate about wellness, and how they met and created Well For Culture.

In this episode, we share all about our original wellness model, The 7 Circles of Wellness. Learn about why we should focus on each of these areas in order to achieve and maintain balance. This model is the very foundation of our wellness philosophy and practice. You don't want to miss this episode.

Well For Culture is an Indigenous Wellness Initiative that focuses on reclaiming total health and wellness through indigenous teachings and practices.

As COVID-19 continues to impact the world, tribal Nations and Indigenous people continue to see sweeping impacts of the virus in our communities. This episode explores public health implications and perspectives surrounding the topic. First, we talk about some of the ways that the virus has impacted our family and communities personally. We then interview Deionna Vigil, a Research Program Coordinator at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for American Indian Health. She offers insight into the public health response to the pandemic in Indian Country. She explains how this has shifted over time. She then answers our questions about the vaccine. This is a 2-part series. The next pandemic episode will be released soon, in which we will explore cultural, spiritual, and wellness-oriented impacts of the virus. These episodes have been made possible with funding by the National Geographic Society Emergency Fund for Journalists.