The socio-economic landscape of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico (primarily spanning McKinley, San Juan, and Cibola counties) is severely impacted by systemic poverty. Healthcare undersupply has created  barriers to wellness, along with geographic isolation, all which heavily compounds historical trauma, clinical depression, and barriers to self-care practices.  Studies show that patients who maintain strong connections to traditional cultural routines and ceremonies, demonstrate much higher resilience against depression.

TSP’s Over the Rainbow Initiatives in New Mexico focus on traditional ways with the aid of TSP’s trained Navajo facilitators, and our collaborations of unique women specialists in the fields of education, family communication, healing and self-care. Mothers and children are at the core of these programs. Strengthening Hearts and Minds mothers program collaborator, Kelly Dinéyazhe-Hunter, Program Director of Early Childhood Development, NTU, describes the programs goals: “Cultivating the well being of participating Navajo mothers through self-care, resource sharing, traditional ways of healing and eating, and interconnection is our short-term goal. Our long-term goal and vision as articulated by Ms. Dinéyazhe-Hunter is one of ‘a society where Navajo mothers are re-energized to be leaders—where children witness their mothers modeling healthy communication, and leading with grace, humility and reverence.’ If even six area Navajo mothers from the program choose to become community leaders to pass on their understanding of how to combat depression; increase health through exercise, the use of traditional healing practices, and healthy foods; relieve stress; improve parenting; and seek out supportive connections, the impact on area families would be profound and sustained.”

TSP future goal is to find a partnering organization that will help reach more mothers in need. And  to continue focusing on major funding for future programming and trainings within the Diné community.