Through my journey of decolonization, I continue to learn about Wabanaki history, traditions, cultural activities, and ceremonies and have experienced a positive shift in my perspective and approach to life through participation and learning. My new perspective has led me to explore other areas, including how participation in cultural activities used in Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts can help participants shift their perspectives to help them find their path to healing and wellness. To explore this, I conducted an interview and some research.
Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts recognize the connection between historical trauma and substance abuse, and combine cultural teachings and activities that acknowledge and address its impact. Colonization caused historical trauma to generations of Natives and resulted in the loss of cultural knowledge, which disrupted traditional practices. These Courts understand the need to restore balance in individuals’ mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical realms and use a braided services approach to achieve this.
A braided-services approach is a holistic approach that addresses criminal behavior, substance abuse, and underlying trauma. Participating in cultural activities is crucial for strengthening cultural identity and connection to the community, as both can help deter people from drinking alcohol and using substances. This approach requires community-based leadership, where tribes design and implement culturally tailored services that meet their specific needs.
A braided-services approach also uses traditional plants to further support the recovery process by using the wisdom and resources of Wabanaki traditions. It consists of four phases, each represented by one of the Four Sacred Medicines: Tobacco, Sage, Cedar, and Sweetgrass. Tobacco is the medicine of the East, Phase I, which represents introductions and new beginnings. A person experiencing emotional stress may find it to be a valuable and calming aid. Individuals often use Tobacco to help communicate thoughts and feelings, making it a common choice for prayer.
Cedar represents Phase II, which focuses on personal responsibility. Cedar is often considered the medicine of the South and is a purifying medicine that is well-known for its medicinal properties. Sage is the medicine of the West and represents cooperation and accountability, the focus of phase III. Its smoke releases whatever is troubling the mind; it also removes negative energy and prepares individuals for ceremonies and teachings.
Sweetgrass represents Phase IV, completions, continued growth, wellness, and life. Sweetgrass is the medicine of the North, also the direction associated with elders and wisdom. Sweetgrass is of great importance throughout Wabanaki history and in cultural practices and ceremonies; individuals often refer to it as the hair of Mother Earth. When individuals smudge with sweetgrass, they wash themselves in the smoke of the burning sweetgrass. When individuals pray with Sweetgrass, the prayers are lifted and carried in the smoke to the Creator.
To learn more about the Penobscot Nation Healing to Wellness Court, I spoke with Rhonda Decontie, a Penobscot tribal citizen and Judge Magistrate of the Court, who has trained other Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts around the country to use its model. I asked her how her work has affected her journey of decolonization. She told me, “This position has given me the opportunity to re-engage in our ways of being to the greatest extent possible. As much as I can, I incorporate teachings and practices,” which includes opening each court session with a smudge and prayer. Some of the cultural activities the Court incorporates include sweat lodge ceremonies, sweetgrass picking trips, and making ribbon shirts and skirts.
Sweat lodge ceremonies promote a strengthened sense of community, a deeper connection to nature, and increased emotional and spiritual well-being. Sweat lodges are a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and introspection, and make it easier for people to confront and release emotional burdens associated with trauma and addiction. Individuals can reconnect with their culture by using the heat and steam within the lodge to cleanse themselves, both mentally and physically.
Sweetgrass picking is a tradition that connects Wabanaki people to the ancestors. It’s a way to honor them and maintain a strong connection to cultural traditions. There would be a significant loss to Wabanaki cultural traditions and identity without access to sweetgrass, so Wabanaki people develop an understanding of sweetgrass and practice sustainable harvesting practices.
Learning how to make ribbon skirts and shirts is a form of cultural revitalization that promotes community and connection. Ribbon skirts and shirts can symbolize identity, and individuals wear them in ceremonies and gatherings. The act of making and wearing this clothing creates a sense of pride and promotes a sense of strength that plays a vital role in healing.
I found that it is not important how one learns cultural knowledge and participates in cultural practices. What is important is that it provides individuals with a sense of identity, connection, community, and purpose. This journey of learning can help one gain a deeper understanding of the world and adopt a different mindset that aids in healing and wellness.
https://www.penobscotnation.org/departments/tribal-court/
https://wellnesscourts.org
Interview with Rhonda Decontie, June 11, 2025