Menominee Nation’s Culturally Informed Settings Across Systems

The Menominee Nation worked to address their historical traumas (native families forced to send their children to boarding schools, termination of the tribe's federal recognition, etc.) by providing training on the effects of poverty and intergenerational/personal trauma as well as structuring health care, education, and social service systems to meet community needs in a holistic way.

Among other improvements, the 4-year graduation rate for Menominee Indian High School increased from less than 60% in 2008 to 92% for the 2015-16 school year.

Their efforts created the Menominee Tribal Clinic, the first Native American owned and operated health care facility in the U.S. The clinic increased patients' access to timely medical care and reduced no-show rates by implementing an open access policy with same-day appointments and incorporating trauma-informed and culturally appropriate practices into care. Trauma-informed training and programs spearheaded by the Menominee Indian School District resulted in altered discipline policies to keep kids in school, daily meditation, healthier foods, and increased physical education. Furthermore, mental health was emphasized through morning mood check-ins and "safe zones" and "peace rooms" where students could go to decompress when stressed.