Celebrating Connection During Native American Heritage Month
This Native American Heritage Month, we’re proud to highlight Leona, Program Manager at Hope House and a Chippewa-Cree from Rocky Boy, Montana. Leona brings warmth, understanding, and cultural support to our Native clients, offering them a space to connect and share.
“If a Native person is staying here, I will offer to smudge them,” Leona explains. "It's a spiritual modality that some of the folks like to engage in." This spiritual practice that many appreciate, brings comfort and a sense of home. There are usually 5-10 Native women staying at Hope House daily.
Leona takes time to listen to each person’s story, talking about life on the reservation, the foods they miss, and the traditions that connect them to their heritage. Through these conversations, she not only shares in their culture but also learns about the diversity of Native traditions, building stronger connections and honoring the richness of each tribe.
Thank you, Leona, for helping us build a community that honors the histories, cultures, and strengths of Indigenous peoples all year long!
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