Utilizing Native American Lakota Culture to Heal and Examine Social Determinants of Tribal Health and Persevering Through Unsolved Trauma

This session will provide a personal and professional perspective of utilizing Lakota culture and education to heal, ensuring a better future for generations to come. Reconnecting and revitalizing the language and songs of our ancestors and examining social determinants of tribal health. Ultimately, breaking the cycles of inter-generational trauma, creating healthy lifestyles and homes.

Trainer: Damon P. Leader Charge, Director of Tribal Outreach, University of South Dakota

Damon P. Leader Charge, MA, Sicangu Oglala Lakota, an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe is the director of tribal outreach for the University of South Dakota’s Office of Academic Affairs and Assistant Coordinator of USD’s Sanford School of Medicine’s Diversity and Inclusion Offices. Damon’s professional interests focus around reducing disparities among Native Americans as well as culturally grounded prevention and intervention efforts. Prior to returning to USD, Leader Charge was the director of health administration for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Other experience includes Indian education, suicide prevention, tribal legislative affairs, community outreach, and cultural humility trainings.