The Cultural Competency Workshop Series is a service of SPRC for professionals in the Bismarck-Mandan area who work with—and care about—Native Americans in the community. Each workshop focuses on a specific issue, providing cultural context and background as well as concrete strategies for working with Native people. These workshops are for service providers, health providers, teachers, community workers, and any professionals who work with Native populations. CEUs are provided where possible.
Each Workshop costs $50 to attend. You can register online on the page for the Workshop you are interested in (see schedule below). For questions or for more information call (701) 426-1315 or e-mail us at .
2018 CCWS Schedule
January 19 The Melting Pot, Multicultural Stew, and the Lone Wolf
Everyone knows what culture is but do we really know how it works? This session will examine the social construct of race, culture, and color in order to understand the interplay of all of these in our world today. More importantly, the session will discuss ways to transcend these concepts to strengthen our communities and our shared humanity.
February 9 Tipi Creeping or Stalking: Indian Love and Domestic Violence
This session will examine traditional gender roles and views of male-female relationships among Tribal nations. The session will also discuss the historical breakdowns that led to changes in these roles and views in order to help design positive interventions that work.
March 23 The Teachings of our Elders: Democracy and Civil Discourse
Tribal nations had strong traditions of diplomacy, civil discourse, persuasive speaking. These practices were noted by Benjamin Franklin and other leaders as they framed the Constitution. This session will examine some of these early practices and how we can use them in our contemporary world.
April 20 How Many Grandparents do you Have? Native Relationships
This session will examine traditional Native familial relationships and the various forces that contributed to the breakdown of family in Tribal communities. Understanding clan systems, matriarchal/patriarchal views, and relationship systems can help professionals in their efforts to help families and youth.
May 18 In the Best Interest: Introduction to the Indian Child Welfare Act
In 1978, a contingent of elders from North Dakota lobbied for the passage of a unique Congressional Act to keep their grandchildren from being unnecessarily removed. This session will examine the roots and cultural worldviews of the Indian Child Welfare Act and cover the basic essentials of the Act.
June 22 Sobriety & Social Connection: Native Views of Addiction & Helping
This session will examine some of the past and current views of addiction and its impact in Native American communities. The session will examine some of the successes and failures of interventions and how understanding cultural worldviews helps build positive practice.
July 20 The Government-to-Government Misnomer
This session will examine the recent development of Tribal governments and profile the current structures in most modern Tribal nations. This session will help participants understand the cultural dynamics that influence the success or failure of inter-governmental relationships.
September 14 Native American Parenting
This session will examine traditional Native parenting practices and worldviews that influenced child-rearing. The session will discuss the cultural meanings that support practice, the historical breakdowns that occurred, and how to help parents reclaim good parenting skills.
October 19 MITT and Blood Quantum
What does it mean to be enrolled? Is it different than being registered? Why does someone want to be enrolled or registered? These questions and more will be discussed in this session focusing on in-groups, out-groups, historical conflicts, and how enrollment impacts Native people today.