Podcast Episode - Celebrating Native American Heritage with Terrance “TJ” Lafromboise

November marks Native American Heritage Month, an annual observance in the United States dedicated to honoring and celebrating the rich tapestry of Native American cultures, histories, contributions, and achievements. This month provides a valuable opportunity for individuals, both Native and non-Native, to pay tribute to the unique heritage and resilience of Native American communities.

In the spirit of this commemoration, we bring you a captivating podcast featuring Terrance "TJ" Lafromboise, MSW-ITR, Piikani – Siiksakaitstiitaapii of the Blackfeet Tribe in Browning, MT. Our engagement with TJ stems from our collaboration on the Iiksook’Ksooksik Project, translating to "Good Future" in Blackfeet. This initiative, funded by a Section 1115 Demonstration grant from the Federal Office of Child Support titled "Charting the Court for Economic Mobility and Responsible Parenting," holds significance in its mission to empower Native communities.

YOU CAN FIND THE PODCAST ON:

SPOTIFY (AND SPOTIFY FOR PODCASTERS), APPLE PODCASTS, GOOGLE PODCASTS, AND IHEART RADIO

TJ, an esteemed member of the Silent Warrior Coalition and the Piikani Youth Council, currently serves as a Montana Crisis Counselor with Mental Health America Montana. Graduating with honors from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in social work, he is currently pursuing a master's degree in social work with a focus on Indigenous trauma and resiliency at the University of Toronto. His educational journey is underscored by a commitment to cultural preservation.

In our podcast conversation, TJ and I delve into the critical role of culture in initiatives like ours and explore how integrating cultural elements into child support can cultivate resiliency, economic mobility, and responsible parenting among Native American youth. Within the framework of the Iiksook’Ksooksik Project, our collaboration with the Piikani Youth Council involves TJ as a cultural carrier, drawing on his profound knowledge and dedication to preserving Blackfeet language and traditions for the benefit of the younger generation.

Beyond our project-specific discussion, this podcast aligns with the broader objectives of Native American Heritage Month. It seeks to foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for the diverse cultures and contributions of Native Americans. Additionally, it serves as a platform to address the challenges and disparities confronting many Native communities, spanning issues related to education, healthcare, and economic development.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this enlightening podcast, where TJ's insights and experiences shed light on the importance of cultural integration in promoting positive outcomes for Native American youth. As we honor Native American Heritage Month, let us collectively embrace the opportunity to learn, appreciate, and contribute to the dialogue surrounding the unique heritage and ongoing resilience of Native American communities.