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+ Training Topics +

Become a Certified Trainer 
The Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) curriculum, developed between 1990 and 1994, has stood the test of time as a powerful healing and planning model for tribal communities addressing the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma, including substance abuse, people who take their own lives, drug use, violence, poverty, and more.

This training will teach participants how to facilitate a GONA for their tribe or organization. Participants will experience the four foundational phases of the GONA: belonging, mastery, interdependence, and generosity.

After completing the training, you’ll be certified to facilitate GONAs in your community. Participants will receive hands-on learning, a training manual, a packet of materials they can duplicate for local use, and a certificate of completion, making this a powerful resource for community healing and planning.

+ Registration Fee +
​$599

+ Training Topics +

• GONA History and Purpose
• Group Norms
• Creating a Sense of Team
• Importance of Creation Stories
• Focusing on Strengths and Traditional Values
• Historical and Inter-generational Trauma
• Historical Wisdom
• Healing and Wellness
• Healthy Community Resources
  
• Vision and Needs
• Action Planning
• How to Organize and Implement a GONA
• Facilitation Skill Development

Training Location 
​
Barbie's Village 
935 NE 33rd Ave. 
Portland, Oregon 97232

​+ Training Schedule +

Tuesday, October 20

8:30 am - Registration Sign-in
9:00 am - Opening Ceremony 

• Drum Call, Blessing, Introductions, Why We're Here

9:30 am - Overview of GONA 
10:30 am - Break 
10:45 am - Lessons of Belonging
Noon - Lunch (On your own)
1:30 pm - Lessons of Belonging Continued
3:00 pm - Break 
3:15 pm - Lessons of Mastery 
4:30 pm - Closing 
5:00 pm - Adjourn ​

Wednesday, october 21

9:00 am - Opening Ceremony 

• Drum Call, Check-in, Review

9:30 am - Building Team
10:30 am - Break 
10:45 am - Lessons of Mastery Continued
Noon - Lunch (On your own)
1:30 pm - Lessons of Interdependence
3:00 pm - Break
3:15 pm - Lessons of Interdependence Continued
4:30 pm - Closing 
5:00 pm - Adjourn ​

Thursday, october 22

9:00 am - Opening Ceremony

• Drum Call, Check-in, Review

9:30 am - Building Team
10:30 am - Break 
10:45 am - Lessons of Generosity 
Noon - Lunch (On your own) 
1:30 pm - Lessons of Generosity Continued 
3:00 pm - Break 
3:15 pm - Facilitation Skill Development, Planning for a GONA
4:30 pm - Closing Ceremony 
5:00 pm - Adjourn

+ Lodging +

Double Tree Hilton 
1000 NE Multnomah St. 
Portland, Oregon 97232
​​800-996-0510

Room Rate: $179

The cutoff date to receive the discounted rate is Monday, September 19, 2026. Mention the Native Wellness Institute's Gathering of Native Americans Training of Trainers to receive the discounted room rate. 

Please note that the training will not be held at the hotel, and you will need transportation to Barbie's village. Options include rental cars, ride shares, or taxis. If you are unable to find transportation from the hotel to Barbie's Village, please let us know, and we can help.  

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+ Cancellation/substitution Policy +

By registering, I acknowledge and agree to the following:  
If I am unable to attend, I may designate a replacement participant at no additional charge, provided that written notice (via email) of the replacement's name is received by the Native Wellness Institute before the training begins. All registration fees are non-refundable. A one-time credit may be issued for a future training of equal or lesser value if cancellation is made in advance. Such credits must be used within twelve (12) months of the originally scheduled training date, after which they will expire. If I do not attend and fail to provide either a timely cancellation or a replacement, the full registration fee will be retained as a no-show fee.​

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