Native American non-profit Healing Ribbons (healingribbons.org) celebrates the opening of its permanent home.
Native American non-profit, Healing Ribbons, will celebrate the opening of their new home located at 5017 Leavenworth St., with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 18.
The location represents not just a spot to set up shop or house fabric, ribbons and sewing machines, but a permanent home to return to.
“For Native Americans returning home is coming back to a place, whether that is a land, a family, a culture or a community, that you are a part of and is a place that you have a special relationship with,” said Alex Lovrien, executive director.
Founded by Tami Buffalohead McGill and Rebecca Sullivan in 2022, Healing Ribbons is led entirely by Native American women and focuses on building relationships and deepening cultural connections among groups of intergenerational Native American women.
“We believe there is power in gathering and our matriarchs and their families need a safe space to share, celebrate, heal and create,” said Kateri Hinman Petto, PharmD, board president.
The intensive, culturally based program runs from February to December with participants meeting on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. At each session a meal is shared, and participants take part in Native American wellness practices, including talking circles; smudging and prayer; as well as creating their own culturally significant regalia and accessories, which are then worn at the annual community round dance and fashion show.
“Our intention is to create a space for cultural enrichment, healing, learning and connecting with the threads that unite us all,” said Lovrien, adding that: “Native Americans have endured more than a century of hardship, trauma and grief through colonization, boarding schools and genocide, but survived and continue to pass down the rich traditions, values and wisdom that sustain our tribal nations.”
“We are helping our community to heal, thrive and reclaim our cultural heritages through sewing, beading, sharing circles and ceremonies that promote positive cultural identity and holistic wellness that we know will be passed down to future generations,” Dr. Hinman Petto said.
The non-profit is taking donations in support of their mission. For anyone interested in donating please visit their website.
Healing Ribbons is an intergenerational Indigenous women and 2-Spirit organization promoting healing, cultural identity, and wellness through the collective wisdom and teachings. Healing Ribbons was established in April 2022 and holds an annual fashion show and round dance that highlight intertribal regalia from participants. Learn more at https://www.healingribbons.org.