The Inter-Tribal Wellness Center (ITWC) is now the first ever certified White Bison Treatment Center.  Don Coyhis, President and Founder of White Bison travelled with the Sacred Hoop to the ITWC on May 19 to present the honors.  “Indian Country has been waiting for this to happen for a long time,” said Don Coyhis during the certification ceremony.


White Bison began the Wellbriety Movement, which brings hope, healing, unity and forgiveness to individuals, families, communities and Native American Nations in the United States and Canada.  Certification from White Bison means the treatment center meets the cultural and spiritual needs of Native Americans in treatment.


“Tribes and Indian people of the Rocky Mountain region will continue to need culturally appropriate treatment and follow-up,” says Gordon Belcourt, Executive Director of the MT-WY Tribal Leaders Council, “I am very optimistic that the ITWC will provide services that will establish the center as a best practice in the field of chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders.  As we provide a higher level of services and recruit professional staff, our goal is to offer advocacy and treatment for our Indian people.  It is now time for the Tribes, Tribal Health Departments, Chemical Dependency Programs, Indian Health Service, and Traditional Practitioners to unite and secure a common voice for those that are in need of treatment and that are seeking to become productive members of their Tribe and Community.”


Completing certification requirements enables the Inter-Tribal Wellness Center to be recognized as a preferred site; one that provides cultural and spiritual support for Native Americans in need of alcohol or drug treatment services.  White Bison staff and resources will be available to provide consulting and additional training and resources to ITWC staff, who will also receive culturally oriented training and support systems to enrich treatment approaches.  White Bison will provide evaluation assistance to monitor the recovery progress of their clients.   White Bison will also refer clients to ITWC from Native American communities across the nation.


In order to achieve certification the Inter-Tribal Wellness Center must employ at least one Native American state certified alcohol counselor, work with Native American elders who advise and conduct ceremonies, and employ a sober working staff. The center has two state certified counselors, five wellbriety mentors and tribal elder support.


For more information on the Inter-Tribal Wellness Center contact Myron Little Bird at 307-750-2534.  Website: www.mtwytlc.com/itwc