At Morningstar Counseling and Consultation, we recognize the unique cultural heritage and experiences of Indigenous populations. Our culturally responsive consultation services are designed to honor Indigenous traditions, values, and perspectives while providing tailored mental health support for our Relatives.
Culturally Responsive Consultation for Indigenous Communities
Our approach to culturally responsive consultation for Indigenous clients involves:
- Recognizing the diversity among Indigenous communities and their distinct cultural protocols
- Acknowledging the historical context of colonization and its ongoing impacts
- Incorporating Indigenous knowledge, methodologies, and participatory frameworks
Our Culturally Responsive Approach
Community Engagement
We prioritize building relationships of trust and respect with Indigenous communities. This includes:
- Consulting with Tribal Relatives before designing or implementing programs
- Involving Elders and community members in decision-making processes
- Recognizing and acknowledging our Relatives as primary guardians and interpreters of their cultures1
Cultural Assessment
Our cultural assessment process involves:
- Understanding the specific Indigenous community's culture, worldview, and communication preferences
- Identifying important cultural values and customary practices and laws
- Recognizing the strengths and resiliencies demonstrated by Indigenous families and communities
Customized Consultation Strategies
We develop strategies that:
- Incorporate Indigenous cultural values and practices
- Address the social determinants of wellbeing specific to Indigenous contexts
- Utilize storytelling and other culturally appropriate methods to gather perspectives
Benefits of Our Culturally Responsive Consultation
- Improved communication and understanding between Relatives and providers
- Enhanced trust and engagement in the therapeutic process
- Better health and wellbeing outcomes through integration of culture in service delivery
- Increased safety, access, and equity for Indigenous clients
Our Commitment
At Morningstar Counseling and Consultation, we are committed to:
- Ongoing learning and development of our cultural responsiveness
- Empowering Indigenous voices in the consultation process
- Advocating for systemic changes that support Indigenous wellbeing
- Respecting Indigenous peoples' right to self-determination in mental health care
Our team strives to create a welcoming space that honors the strengths, respects the diversity, and authentically includes Indigenous perspectives in the consultative process. We aim to work with, not on, Indigenous communities to support mental health and wellbeing in culturally meaningful ways.
