We understand that economic stress, health compromises and natural disasters increase the chance of stress, trauma and violence within the home. We also understand that perpetrators take advantage and gain power in times of crisis and victims are less likely to reach out for help, especially in isolation. 

Restoring Ancestral Winds recognizes that these serious threats within our Indigenous communities are amplified with this global emergency.

If you are “sheltering in place” within a dangerous home situation or are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault:

Get anonymous, confidential support | Please call to talk through your situation

STRONG HEARTS | NATIVE HOTLINE

1-844-7NATIVE

Open 7am to 10 pm CST seven days a week

We urge you to seek help. You are not alone.

• ABUSERS MAY WITHHOLD NECESSARY ITEMS, SUCH AS HAND SANITIZER OR DISINFECTANTS.
• ABUSIVE PARTNERS MAY SHARE MISINFORMATION ABOUT THE PANDEMIC TO CONTROL OR FRIGHTEN SURVIVORS OR PREVENT SURVIVORS FROM SEEKING ANY MEDICAL HELP FOR THEIR WELLBEING.
• ABUSIVE PARTNERS MAY WITHHOLD INSURANCE CARDS OR THREATEN TO CANCEL INSURANCE.
• PROGRAMS THAT SERVE SURVIVORS MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED - SHELTERS MAY BE FULL. SURVIVORS MAY ALSO FEAR ENTERING SHELTER BECAUSE OF BEING IN CLOSE QUARTERS WITH PEOPLE. 
• SURVIVORS WHO ARE OLDER OR HAVE CHRONIC HEART OR LUNG CONDITIONS MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK IN PUBLIC PLACES WHERE THEY COULD TYPICALLY GET SUPPORT, LIKE SHELTERS, COUNSELING CENTERS, OR COURTHOUSES. 
• TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS MAY IMPACT A SURVIVOR'S ESCAPE OR SAFETY PLAN - IT MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR THEM TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR TO FLY.
• AN ABUSIVE PARTNER MAY FEEL MORE JUSTIFIED AND ESCALATE THEIR ISOLATION TACTICS.

Our tradition of good health is longer and stronger than our tradition of health disparitites. Our ancestors have provided us with the resilience and teachings to get us through hardship and colonial barriers that affect our wellbeing. We urge our communities to take this time for growth, practicing peace and traditional ways that connect us back into balance within our homes and on our lands while keeping our nations safe. 

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST ON INDIGENOUS WELLNESS DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME BY WELLNESS EXPERTS, WELL FOR CULTURE:

• WASH YOUR HANDS | USE 60% OR MORE ALCOHOL SANITIZER
• COVER YOUR COUGH AND SNEEZES
• AVOID PUBLIC PLACES
• CLEAN AND DISINFECT SURFACES 
• PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING | STAY 6 FEET OR MORE APART
• AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH THOSE WHO ARE SICK
• ONLY WEAR A FACE MASK IF YOU ARE SICK
• STAY HOME
• PRACTICE HEALTHY HABITS
• CHECK ON THE VULNERABLE AND ELDERS AND SUPPORT AS NEEDED
• STAY CALM
• ONLY TAKE AND BUY WHAT YOU NEED
• KEEP CHILDREN LOVED AND NOURISHED
• ADDRESS RACISM AND VIOLENCE AROUND COVID 19
• STAY INFORMED WITH VIABLE NEWS SOURCES