The Native American opioid crisis continues to challenge communities across the United States, leaving behind devastating impacts. However, shining through this challenging landscape is a beacon of hope in the form of culturally relevant addiction solutions. Pulitzer Center grantee Elyse Wild has taken a closer look at this crisis, sharing her in-depth project, “Two Medicines”, with students and faculty at South Dakota State University.

Through an engaging lecture and classroom interactions, Wild detailed how Native communities are addressing the opioid crisis by blending cultural practices with addiction care efforts.

A Fresh Perspective on the Native American Opioid Crisis

Wild’s Pulitzer project is a three-part series that explores the Native American opioid crisis and solutions focusing on prevention, recovery, and cultural empowerment. Her work connects readers deeply to the lived experiences of those tackling addiction in these communities. During her talk, Wild explained how her project highlights unique approaches to fighting addiction through cultural connection.

The Role of Culture in Breaking Cycles of Addiction

One of Wild’s standout articles introduced John Spence, a citizen of the Gros Ventre tribe in Oregon who works with youth at the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest. Spence leads troubled youth through Native horsemanship practices as part of a 90-day prevention programme. This programme, aimed at reconnecting young people with their cultural heritage, is already showing encouraging signs of success.

“You might not see results for another generation or two,” Wild shared. “But what the kids are expressing and feeling is a testament to the success of these programmes.”

Culturally Grounded Support for Recovery

Another pivotal story from Wild’s project focused on Steve Knockwood, a citizen of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Maine, who serves as a peer recovery coach for Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness. His work is particularly challenging due to Maine being the only U.S. state that does not recognise tribal sovereignty, which severely limits funding opportunities.

Knockwood himself is a living example of cultural resurgence aiding recovery. While in prison for drug trafficking, Knockwood connected with his cultural identity through programming offered in jail. It was this reconnection that helped him heal and inspired him to support others on their journeys to recovery.

“I came back to my culture, and I healed,” Knockwood said.

Elyse Wild’s Efforts to Spark Change

Beyond her reporting, Wild actively engages with young journalism students, striving to inspire future journalists to shed light on underreported issues like the Native American opioid crisis. Wild’s lectures combined storytelling and real-life experiences, making a meaningful impact on her audience at South Dakota State University.

Annie Witt, a junior journalism student, reflected on the importance of Wild’s work, describing it as “eye-opening and unique.” Witt appreciated the depth of research and personal connections Wild brought to the forefront to address this often-overlooked issue.

Moving Forward with Cultural-based Solutions

The Native American opioid crisis presents undeniable challenges, but Wild’s work shows how culture and community play a vital role in addressing addiction. By combining preventive efforts with culturally relevant support systems, these communities are creating unique pathways to healing.

Elyse Wild’s stories extend beyond journalism, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to help tackle addiction problems among Native populations. Her next project will focus on maternal health in Alaska’s remote tribal communities, furthering her commitment to telling stories rooted in culture and resilience.

Source: sdsucollegian