Our History
The Native Wellness Institute was founded in 2000 by a knowledgeable and dedicated group of Native individuals, including tribal leaders, committed to making a positive difference in Indian country.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving as the leading provider of Native-specific and wellness-related training and technical assistance to Native people, communities, tribes, and organizations throughout North America.
From bringing together the most highly-skilled Native trainers and consultants to share their knowledge and wisdom at large national conferences, to offering smaller regional workshops in Native communities that improve physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being, the Native Wellness Institute (NWI) is bringing about positive changes like no other organization of its kind in Indian Country.
Our focus on the healing and health of Native America continues to bring about positive changes today... while clearing the path for a more rewarding and fulfilling tomorrow.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving as the leading provider of Native-specific and wellness-related training and technical assistance to Native people, communities, tribes, and organizations throughout North America.
From bringing together the most highly-skilled Native trainers and consultants to share their knowledge and wisdom at large national conferences, to offering smaller regional workshops in Native communities that improve physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being, the Native Wellness Institute (NWI) is bringing about positive changes like no other organization of its kind in Indian Country.
Our focus on the healing and health of Native America continues to bring about positive changes today... while clearing the path for a more rewarding and fulfilling tomorrow.
The Wellness Movement
The Native Wellness Institute recognizes the great impacts of historical trauma and oppression on our people. We understand that historic trauma has caused current-day trauma in our families and communities. This is evident by the high rates of substance abuse, violence, gossip, negativity, poverty, and other destructive behaviors and conditions.
As Native people, we have the strength and resiliency to move beyond and forward from the hurtful past and utilize what our ancestors left us- prayer, faith, songs, dances, ceremony, language, and the perseverance to leave a positive legacy for our future generations.
The Native Wellness Institute exists to help create an awareness of where our negative behavior comes from, provide opportunities for growth and healing, and most importantly to help our people move forward in a good way. We do this by providing training and technical assistance based in Native culture that promotes the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and places of work.
NWI lives and promotes the “Warrior’s Spirit” which means paying the greatest respect to our ancestors by being as positive, productive, and proactive as we can, every day of our lives.
As Native people, we have the strength and resiliency to move beyond and forward from the hurtful past and utilize what our ancestors left us- prayer, faith, songs, dances, ceremony, language, and the perseverance to leave a positive legacy for our future generations.
The Native Wellness Institute exists to help create an awareness of where our negative behavior comes from, provide opportunities for growth and healing, and most importantly to help our people move forward in a good way. We do this by providing training and technical assistance based in Native culture that promotes the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and places of work.
NWI lives and promotes the “Warrior’s Spirit” which means paying the greatest respect to our ancestors by being as positive, productive, and proactive as we can, every day of our lives.
Native Wellness History
In the 1970s, following the civil rights movement, many Native people realized the devastating effects of alcohol and knew that if we were going to truly reach a place of self-determination we had to stop drinking. Community norms started changing and it wasn’t “OK” anymore to be intoxicated at tribal gatherings or meetings. Coupled with the sobriety movement, came a cultural revitalization in many tribal Nations throughout North America. The times were changing.
In the 1980s came the Native wellness movement. Our people gravitated toward this positive movement- this movement that talked about historical trauma, oppression, and healing; this movement that encouraged people to be positive, to lift one another, and to promote compassion, respect, and resiliency.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, many national and regional wellness gatherings occurred. As a result, many Native people were motivated to make positive changes in their lives, families, communities, and places of work and needed the direction and road map of how to do that. The Native Wellness Institute was created to assist in providing that direction, care, and support.
In the 1980s came the Native wellness movement. Our people gravitated toward this positive movement- this movement that talked about historical trauma, oppression, and healing; this movement that encouraged people to be positive, to lift one another, and to promote compassion, respect, and resiliency.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, many national and regional wellness gatherings occurred. As a result, many Native people were motivated to make positive changes in their lives, families, communities, and places of work and needed the direction and road map of how to do that. The Native Wellness Institute was created to assist in providing that direction, care, and support.
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