Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition, Inc. has been awarded a $20,000 Thriving Women grant from the Seventh Generation Fund to support the Motherhood is Sacred Program.

The Mother is Sacred (MIS) Program is a culturally specific program that provides support for Indigenous mothers making it a good program to help support women in recovery. The MIS program is a nationally acclaimed program developed by the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association (NAFFA).  The mission of NAFFA is to strengthen families by responsibly involving fathers and mothers in the lives of their children, families and communities to provide happy and safe families.  The vision of NAFFA is to support fathers and mothers in becoming models of healthy parenting everywhere.  The MIS program provides support to families and their mental and emotional support.  Offering the program virtually allows easy access for families and allows us to serve more mothers and caregivers.  The curriculum offers participants the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of responsible motherhood as reflected in Native American values and beliefs.  The program also encourages mothers in connecting/re-connecting with our tribal culture, language, and traditions.  The program encourages healing from historical trauma which is needed all over Indian Country.  Each participant will receive the following incentives: MIS workbook, planner, sticky notepad, pen, sage, smudge shell, notepad, certificate of completion, and gift certificates.  Participants also receive a $20 gift certificate upon completion of the program.

“The Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples and the Thriving Women Program is honored to support the Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition’s Motherhood is Sacred Program, which recognizes Indigenous women as the heart and backbone of Native Nations.

We believe in the importance of their vision and purpose to support the maternal wellbeing of Indigenous Women and that of their families, and advocating for a safe and restorative future for Native women and girls in Nebraska,” says a representative from the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Inc.

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to facilitate Motherhood is Sacred classes for the Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition (NICWC).  The curriculum is so powerful and uplifting, but the discussions and stories we share together as Native American mothers are the most impactful part of the class.  So many participants have shared the positive difference that this class has had on their lives and in their families’ lives.  I have been able to watch so many women strive for the goal of having a happy, safe and healthy family while elevating their roles as mothers to a sacred level.  I feel blessed to get to be part of their growth as women and mothers along their healing journey,” says Chiara Cournoyer-Bruguier, Motherhood is Sacred Facilitator, Vice-Chair for the NICWC Board.

If you would like more information about the next MIS class, please contact Sami Magpie at [email protected] or at (855) 280-2526.

###

About the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Inc.

The Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Inc. was founded in 1977.  Chiefs, clan mothers, youth, and community activists established the organization to respond to the needs of grassroots Indigenous communities and initiatives.  The Seventh Generation focuses “…on cultural revitalization, leadership development, tribal sovereignty, and culturally appropriate economic development.”  For more information about Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Inc., please visit their website at https://7genfund.org.