Keepers of Tradition Culture Program

The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center’s (GLIIHC) Keepers of Tradition Culture Program provides Native teachings, guidance, and support services to the urban Indian community of the Greater Milwaukee Area and to GLIIHC clientele that seek medical, behavioral health, and social services.

“Using an integrated approach, KOT staff collaborate with many of our internal
programming teams to provide culturally-based services to promote healing, health, and the strengthening of cultural identity,” said GLIIHC’s Behavioral Health Department Deputy Director Deborah Black.

“This is achieved through cultural teachings on Native history, traditional ways, cultural sensitivity trainings, and through traditional art,” said Black, a Licensed Professional Counselor. “KOT also provides one-on-one cultural advisement and spiritual support services.”

Please refer to the GLIIHC calendar for dates and times for the following WOT services and activities:

  • Spiritual guidance and support to individuals and families that present a request or need. Smudging, prayer, and drumming are a few immediate services available to the community.
  • Monthly traditional sweat lodge ceremonies at the Indian Community School in Franklin. Monthly coed sweat ceremonies, and quarterly women-only sweats are offered as well. NOTE: Sweat lodge ceremonies typically fall on Monday evenings of every month.
  • Cultural groups, activities and workshops are offered throughout the year, including rattle making, fan making, hand drum making, prayer hoop making, ribbon skirt and shirt construction, corn husk doll making, and basket weaving..

 

If you have questions or need more information, please contact our Staff:

Katinee Shawanokasic-Chavez
Lead Culture Program Coordinator
kshawanokasic@gliihc.net

Daniel Preston
Spiritual Advisor/Certified Healing Unresolved Grief Facilitator
(414) 316-5048
dpreston@gliihc.net

Warriors of Tradition (WOT) Cultural Program

Please call (414) 383-9526 to schedule an appointment today.