GONA Resiliency Empowerment Summit
3 Days of Ceremony, Community & Connections • June 28th, 29th & 30th
Mathew Bieszcsat Volunteer Resource Center • 6100 N. Central Ave Chicago, IL 60646
About GONA
We offer presentations, workshops & ceremonies that provide a forum and experience for Native Americans to identify issues and connect with community in a spiritual and healing process.
A GONA is a culture-based planning process where community members gather to address community-identified issues. Using a personal interactive approach that empowers and supports AI/AN tribes, the GONA reflects AI/AN cultural values, traditions and spiritual practices.
June 28: Day 1 Belonging
9:00-10:00 Registration, Name tags, Pictures and Affirmation Boards
10:00 am Opening • Smudge, Drum & Song
Welcome:
Why are we here • Introductions of GONA Team • Icebreaker
Introductions of participants • Overview of GONA • Norms • Altar
• Gift Making • Icebreaker/ Movement • Develop small groups
12:00 pm Lunch
12:45 pm Session 1
Movement • Intro Belonging • Discuss strengths of family, Community, and Nations
Team Building • Name • Chant • Shield • Teach Back
2:00 pm Break
2:15 pm Session 2
Icebreaker • Storyteller – Creation Story • Belmont Process • Mini Teach • Small group discussion • Teach back
3:00 pm Closing for Day 1 • Smudge, Drum & Song
June 29: Day 2 Mastery
9:00 am Breakfast
Registration Table, Name tags, Pictures and Affirmation Boards
10:00 am Opening • Smudge, Drum & Song
Movement/ Energizer • Introduction Mastery • Storyteller • Belmont Process • Mini Teach • Small Group • Teach Back
12:00 pm Lunch
12:45 pm Session 3
Movement • Guided Activity: Trauma Tree • Teach Back
2:00 pm Break
2:15 pm Session 4
What does healing look like for young people in Chicago?
3:00 pm Closing for Day 2 • Smudge, Drum & Song
June 30: Day 3 Interdependence
9:00 am Breakfast
Registration Table, Name tags, Pictures and Affirmation Boards
10:00 am Opening • Smudge, Drum & Song
Movement • Role of Vison and Managing Complex Change
Guided Activity: Acorns that were collected with the Tree Activity
What can we do to enhance and enlarge their hope for the future
Teach Back
Session 5 • Movement • Introduction to Generosity • Storyteller • Belmont Process • Mini teach • Small group discussion • Teach back
11:15 am Break
Closing Ceremony • All staff available
Read wall of affirmations • Honor attendance
Selection of Gifts community, and nations
Team Building • Name • Chant • Shield • Teach Back
1:00 pm Event Closing Day 3 • All staff available
• Smudge, Drum & Song