Tribal Home Visiting
Traditionally, pregnancy is a sacred state of being.
Keeping Ikwe (woman) and Abinoojiiyenhs (baby) safe and healthy has always been an honorable and expected way of life for Anishinaabe. When a woman knew she was pregnant, the life inside became her first thought. She was very aware of the need to (zaagichigaazowin) “love and treasure them” right from the start.
The Tribal Home Visiting Program utilizes the Maajitaag Minoayaawin curriculum and is designed to complement, not replace prenatal, postpartum and pediatric medical care. The program is available to ALL expectant families or families with children under five years old, who receive care at the Lac Vieux Desert Health Center. In addition to providing support and education during pregnancy, there is also a focus on helping women become and stay healthy before and between pregnancies. We affirm the sacred role of women in the community as givers of life, and promote understanding of the importance of family well-being and the health of women, fathers and Abinojiinh (child) throughout the lifespan.
Maajitaag Minoayaawin (Maji- tog Mino-ayaa-win)
“A Start of a Healthy Life”
Seven Anishinaabe Teachings:
NIBWAAKAAWIN – WISDOM
ZAAGI’IDIWIN – LOVE
MANAADJITOOWIN – RESPECT
ZOOGIDE’EWIN – COURAGE
GWAYAKWAADIZIWIN – HONESTY
DABASENIMOWIN – HUMILITY
DEBWEWIN – TRUTH
What Do We Have to Offer?
- Home or office visits by a Maternal/Child Health Nurse and Family Health Educator for prenatal mothers, infants and children until their 5th birthday as well as their family and guardians
- Support and education based on the needs of the family, including parenting information and tips using the Family Spirit Curriculum and seven traditional Anishinaabe teachings
- Services and support for women with high-risk pregnancies
- Referral, follow-up and after-care services for a variety of family needs
- Breastfeeding support and education from a Certified Lactation Specialist. Education on infant feeding and child nutrition
- Car Seat education and installation assistance with Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
- Depression screenings/referrals
- Coordination of transportation to medical appointments
- Support for pregnant and parenting teens and their families
- Assistance with finding resources for unmet basic needs
- Ages and Stages evaluations along with referrals as appropriate
What do we hope to accomplish?
We are working toward providing services and information that will keep our children, women, and families in the best health.
If we remember the Seven traditional Anishinaabe teachings and combine those with today’s health care information, we are sure to build strong families and strong nations, and give our children a healthy start in life.
Adaawe Market
Adaawe Market (Trader’s Market) is a program where one can earn “Baby Bucks” that can be applied for:
- Enrollment into Tribal Home Visiting Program
- Breastfeeding
- Well Child Exams
- Immunizations
- WIC Appointments
- Dental Appointments
- Home Visits
- Activity and Educational Session
- Therapy (Speech/Physical)
- GED/HSED
- Completed College Course
- Mid Term Report (High School or College) GPA superior to 3.0
- Participation in Mental Health / AODA
- Car Seat Assessment /Installation
- Volunteer opportunities at events or Head Start
- Sobriety
- Various Cultural Activities
Spend Them On:
Child and baby items such as diapers, wipes, breast pads, books, blankets, strollers, baby wash/lotion, laundry detergent, baby gates, car seats, pack n plays, cribs, etc (as budget allows)
Produced by LVD Health Center under a grant funded through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF). This information does not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the ACF.
Contact Information:
Lauren Ryskey
Tribal Home Visitor
N5241 US HWY 45 - PO Box 9
Watersmeet, MI 49969