THE HERO’S STORY PROJECT

storytelling intervention: talking-circle framework

for native veteran population

book demo

what is the intervention?

The HSP is a culturally-responsive intervention to promote social connectedness, increase sense of purpose, and, ultimately, prevent suicide.

Blend of Indigenous Knowledge (ancient oral storytelling, Talking-Circles) and Western evidence-based practices (Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, Logotherapy)

Native Veterans come together to share their stories and heal as a community to address unique mental-health and intergenerational traumas. This trusted environment also spreads awareness of VA & clinical resources.

critical components

culturally responsive

In AIAN tradition, stories are medicine. The intervention's storytelling prompts focuses on culture, language and mentorship, and Talking Circles bring Native Veterans  and trusted community members together in a safe environment.

Studying whether AIAN veterans prefer their community’s traditional healing practices over Western mental health resources.

holistic & adaptable

Acknowledging the diversity of AIAN tribes, the intervention develops a culturally agnostic framework, respectfully integrating Lakota stories & values as a start

Based on the success of the research, we hope the intervention  can adapt to use other Native traditional stories.

community led

There is an acute desire amongst NVs to heal by engaging with members of their own Community through traditional activities.

A peer support therapy model reimagines group therapy as culturally-responsive and provides catharsis to the community.

Trust-based messengers: Led by elders, veterans and Tribal Storytellers as facilitators via Story & Engagement prompts

safety & trust

Leading researchers involved who are experienced with Native American culture & traditions, storytelling research, veterans & mindfulness curriculum design.

Facilitating the talking-circle framework to create a safe-space for peers

Leveraging traditional storytelling customs to reinforce the resilience of AIAN veterans to overcome adversity.

book demo

World class intervention, by world class team

guidelines

priorities:

Safety & trauma-informed care were top priorities to minimize any risk of triggering trauma

Culturally-appropriate design that respects Lakota oral storytelling traditions, which can then be adapted for other tribes.

Building trust within the circle, so it is a safe-space for veterans to have important conversations & heal as a community

world-class team

experience:

Researcher:

Dr. Patricia Henderson, Dr. Jeff Nez, Dr. Bhupin Butaney, Dr. Czarina Thelen

Indigenous Storytelling:

Dr. Renda Madrigal, Kyle Mitchell, Dr. Dale Walker

Narrative Therapy:

Rebekah Leigh (VA Phoenix), Jennifer Hill (UoA)

Operations:

Sidnee Peck facilitating execution of deliverables. Mayank Mishra conducting research interviews with informal consultants (VA, UoA)

“The listed individuals have advised the Hero’s Story Project at one or multiple points from the initial proposal design through the final curriculum design.”

Voices of Inspiration: Stories from Our Community

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Transformation Tales

“Televeda is a true tribal champion, and one of my favorite projects to support. The massive strides they have made in tribal connectivity cannot be understated. This is how public-private partnerships should be done so it can meaningfully help communities”

Teresa Manygoats
Bureau Chief, Arizona Dept. of Health Services

Empowerment Echoes

“The Televeda team has been highly supportive. You can see they are full of passion & truly care about serving the Dine community. I get help for all the logistics- collateral, curriculum and trauma specialists so that we can grow our impact & services in the region.”

Minifred Lilly
Veterans Officer, Navajo Nation Veterans Administration

Nature's Wisdom

“This is the first time the Navajo Nation VA is offering talking circles to the veterans. It is historic as it is much needed. Early feedback from the veterans and Navajo Spring Council have been highly motivating. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Televeda and serving our veterans.”

Bobbie Baldwin
Executive Director, Navajo Nation Veterans Administration

Community Chronicles

"Our virtual women veterans peer support group through Televeda runs every Thursday evening. We have had women from Navajo county, Apache county, homebound veterans who otherwise would not be able to meet, connect with other women veterans and share."

Jessica Roza
Arizona Veterans' Services

Transformation Tales!

"Hosting these virtual sessions with Televeda have been inspiring. One attendee is disabled/homebound and she shared that after attending the group last week and getting support/connecting, she felt excited all week to get up in the morning and get out of bed! She said this group is something to look forward to."

Jordanna Saunders
CEO of Trauma Recovery Services

Transformation Tales

“Televeda is a true tribal champion, and one of my favorite projects to support. The massive strides they have made in tribal connectivity cannot be understated. This is how public-private partnerships should be done so it can meaningfully help communities”

Teresa Manygoats
Bureau Chief, Arizona Dept. of Health Services

Empowerment Echoes

“The Televeda team has been highly supportive. You can see they are full of passion & truly care about serving the Dine community. I get help for all the logistics- collateral, curriculum and trauma specialists so that we can grow our impact & services in the region.”

Minifred Lilly
Veterans Officer, Navajo Nation Veterans Administration

Nature's Wisdom

“This is the first time the Navajo Nation VA is offering talking circles to the veterans. It is historic as it is much needed. Early feedback from the veterans and Navajo Spring Council have been highly motivating. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Televeda and serving our veterans.”

Bobbie Baldwin
Executive Director, Navajo Nation Veterans Administration

Community Chronicles

"Our virtual women veterans peer support group through Televeda runs every Thursday evening. We have had women from Navajo county, Apache county, homebound veterans who otherwise would not be able to meet, connect with other women veterans and share."

Jessica Roza
Arizona Veterans' Services

Transformation Tales

"Hosting these virtual sessions with Televeda have been inspiring. One attendee is disabled/homebound and she shared that after attending the group last week and getting support/connecting, she felt excited all week to get up in the morning and get out of bed! She said this group is something to look forward to."

Jordanna Saunders
CEO of Trauma Recovery Services

Building Trust

“Televeda is a true tribal champion, and one of my favorite projects to support. The massive strides they have made in tribal connectivity cannot be understated. This is how public-private partnerships should be done so it can meaningfully help communities”

Teresa Manygoats
Bureau Chief, Arizona Dept. of Health Services

Empowerment Echoes

“The Televeda team has been highly supportive. You can see they are full of passion & truly care about serving the Dine community. I get help for all the logistics- collateral, curriculum and trauma specialists so that we can grow our impact & services in the region.”

Minifred Lilly
Veterans Officer, Navajo Nation Veterans Administration

Nature's Wisdom

“This is the first time the Navajo Nation VA is offering talking circles to the veterans. It is historic as it is much needed. Early feedback from the veterans and Navajo Spring Council have been highly motivating. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Televeda and serving our veterans.”

Bobbie Baldwin
Executive Director, Navajo Nation Veterans Administration

Community Chronicles

"Our virtual women veterans peer support group through Televeda runs every Thursday evening. We have had women from Navajo county, Apache county, homebound veterans who otherwise would not be able to meet, connect with other women veterans and share."

Jessica Roza
Arizona Veterans' Services

Transformation Tales!

"Hosting these virtual sessions with Televeda have been inspiring. One attendee is disabled/homebound and she shared that after attending the group last week and getting support/connecting, she felt excited all week to get up in the morning and get out of bed! She said this group is something to look forward to."

Jordanna Saunders
CEO of Trauma Recovery Services

Explore our case studies

Press Releases

Navajo Nation Partnership

A collaborative partnership has been officially set up between Televeda & the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration (NNVA) to support AIAN veteran community development.

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RogerThat: Tribal Connectivity

The Tribal Connectivity Project, "Roger That," is an initiative with the Arizona Department of Veteran Services and Televeda, to bridge the digital gap among Native American veterans in Arizona.

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Mission Reconnect: Homeless Vets

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration project to provide physical and mental support for unhoused veterans like workforce development, job training & behavioral health services.

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Case Studies

Lakota IRB Approval

The Televeda & Black Hills team received IRB approval from the Lakota Tribe for the Storytelling Curriculum intervention. This is an important milestone for research validation and commitment to uphold tribal sovereignty.

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Press Releases

Trauma Recovery Services

Trauma Recovery Services, an Indigenous owned & operated behavioral health service will be running virtual peer support sessions on Televeda. Participants are able to share veteran experiences in a place where they feel welcome and safe.

Read More
View all Press release & news

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