In-an-da’-we, an Ojibwe word meaning “to climb to a higher ground,” is a program that provides support for the specific needs of urban American Indian women who are journeying from instability to self-sufficiency. We offer weekly personal empowerment gatherings, mentoring, advocacy, cultural connections, and legal or mental health supports that remove barriers and provide comprehensive, holistic, culturally competent supports. Through In-an-da’-we, American Indian women find a forum to connect with others of their culture and to work on their personal empowerment in a holistic way.

Weekly Personal Empowerment Gatherings
All participants attend a small weekly women’s personal empowerment gathering, composed of other American Indian women and led by a trained, culturally competent facilitator. Participants’ needs drive the content, using traditional American Indian Talking Circles as a guide. Topics such as the process of personal change, coping skills, emotions management, conflict resolution, parenting, financial management, boundaries, and healthy relationships empower women to create stability and a sense of control of their lives. As women begin employment, the group helps them apply these skills to the workplace and troubleshoot problems. The weekly gatherings also nurture the development of friendships to support each other as “working moms,” provide cultural connection and grounding, provide a space to celebrate milestones achieved and build positive energy in the group, and help participants develop a sense of hope and power as they build community and gain skills. Meals and childcare are provided.

Cultural Activities
Participants have the opportunity to participate in additional community-building activities such as attending a sweat lodge, listening to a Native storyteller, making dance regalia, or doing a service project. Women build a broader social network to help solve problems and draw strength from their cultural community as they attempt jobs and lifestyles that are new to them.

Legal Clinics
Participants have free, on-site access to pro-bono lawyers to address legal issues that form a barrier to their self-sufficiency. Most often, clients need help to expunge a criminal record; resolve child support, custody, or child protection issues; clarify probation requirements; or deal with domestic violence issues. Group lectures on topics plus one-on-one help with legal tasks empower women to resolve legal issues that bar their path to employment and stability.
                                                                          
Family Advocate
Participants receive one-on-one advocacy, support and referral services. Advocacy includes help to find interview clothing, rides/mentorship for important appointments, visits to potential apartments or service providers, and more.  The family advocate attends the weekly personal empowerment group and serves as a trusted individual to support and “walk with” women as they use their personal power to move towards employment and self-sufficiency.

Parenting Skills, individualized mentoring, and financial counseling are other services In-an-da’-we provides. For more information about this program, please contact:

Annessia Swann, Director
612-341-3345 ext. 103
ness@aioic.org

Lugene Flores, Empowerment Coach
612-341-3358 ext. 121
lugenef@aioic.org