The Restoring Harmony Pow-Wow is set for noon-10:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Webster High School, 1919 W. 40th St. This event is free and open to the public and is the Tulsa area observance of second annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Commissioner Terri White of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will be featured at the event to help promote pediatric mental health issues..
Awareness is critical because one in five young people suffers from a mental health related issue but only 20 percent ever receive treatment. The third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24 is suicide. Untreated mental health needs lead to school failure, juvenile criminal involvement and higher health care use, according to national research.
In Oklahoma, the stigma attached to mental & emotional health is probably the number one factor that gets in the way of families addressing these serious health issues. This stigma is often more common in our smaller communities and cultures because of religious, cultural & traditional influences. This Restoring Harmony Powwow is focused on providing positive and meaningful education about children's mental & emotional health to help families take positive steps towards the prevention & treatment of these health issues.
This is also going to be a fantastic multicultural experience! Everyone is welcome to attend and will have opportunities to learn about Native American culture through the powwow program, the speakers, the arts & crafts vendors, the songs and dances.
The Grand Entry is scheduled for 6:00pm and will probably be the highlight of the evening. We are excited to have Commissioner Terri White from the Oklahoma Department of Health and Substance Abuse Services speaking at the event.
The Restoring Harmony Pow Wow honors youth and addresses mental health stigma in a manner celebrating the richness of the Tulsa community. The sponsors, Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa and the Tulsa Children’s Behavioral Health Community Team, hope the Pow-Wow will educate the community on mental health needs and available community treatments. Presenters for the event include: Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa’s Circles of Care, Indian Youth Program, Native Nations Youth Council, Tobacco Program & Camp Fire Community Family Club; Mental Health Association in Tulsa (MHAT); MHAT/Dayspring AO; Tulsa Pride 2008; Cloudboy Consulting; OUHSC Sooner Success; Muscogee Creek Nation Circles of Care; Parent Child Center/Dayspring AO; Hospice of Green Country; Associated Centers for Therapy-Wraparound Tulsa; Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa; Creoks Behavioral Health; Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Oklahoma Systems of Care; Office of Juvenile Affairs; Tulsa Public Schools; Oklahoma Federation of Families/Evolution Foundation; Tulsa Children’s Behavioral Health Community Team.
Dancing begins at noon in the old gymnasium. The festivities offer something for all ages and open to anyone interested in experiencing a Pow-Wow with bright and colorful regalia of both Northern and Southern style. The first 600 people receive free BBQ. The Pow-Wow includes a number of contests and activities for all ages including dance, art, raffles and door prizes.
Exhibits and children’s activities are scheduled both inside and outside of the gymnasium. Local mental health and youth serving agencies plan to attend and distribute information about their programs.
For more information or to explore ways to participate, contact Michelle Gourd, Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa at (918) 382-1287 or (918) 200-4913.
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