Connecting to our culture is essential for our well-being as Indigenous people. Our culture gives us a sense of identity, purpose, and community that can make us feel supported as we begin our journeys to adulthood.  

This article outlines how we can stay connected to our culture by setting cultural goals. Cultural goals allow us to plan and work towards achieving closeness with our culture and community.  

The Value of Culture and Tribal Identity   

Culture is the shared beliefs, customs, values, arts, food, and more of a particular group of people. Many of the different spaces we inhabit have a unique culture. Think about the traditions and customs in your school, sports team, or community – all of those places have their own culture!  

Our tribes also have their own culture that separates them from other tribes and other communities. Think about the different events, traditions, and values of your tribe. What makes your tribe unique?  

Sharing these traditions and values with other people makes us feel connected and supported, which can help us achieve our goals or overcome hardships or adversity.  

When we have a strong connection with our tribe, we call that having strong tribal identity. People with strong tribal identity feel proud to be a part of their community and participate in its traditions and customs.  

Research has shown that individuals with strong tribal identity have better mental health than those who do not have a strong tribal identity. Those with strong tribal identity are also less likely to use drugs than those who do not have a strong tribal identity.  

Building Tribal Identity 

There are a number of ways we can build strong tribal identity to make us stronger and more connected to our community:  

• Get more involved in the community! 
• Learn the history of your community. 
• Care for elders. 

• Attend community events. There are many events held in our community throughout the year where you can connect with other members of our community. 
• Call or meet with a relative who is involved in the community. 
• Volunteer in a community activity like Powwow Committee or a local organization. You can also volunteer to help at a ceremony! 

For those who don’t already have a strong connection to their culture, it can be intimidating to get involved with activities and traditions. In most Indigenous communities, there are people and resources available to help teach you how to access and participate in cultural activities.  

Setting Cultural Goals  

Now that you have an idea of how you can become more connected to your culture, it’s time to set some goals so you can work towards building stronger tribal identity!  

To start setting cultural goals, think about what you value when it comes to your tribe or community. Are you passionate about helping others, carrying on traditions, passing along traditions to younger generations, or something else?  

Then, think of who or what you can rely on to support your goal. Research cultural resources or experts who are available in your community. Or maybe you know a family member or community member who leads cultural activities. It’s important to identify a network of support to achieve our goals.  

Your goal should be a long-term goal. A long-term goal is something you want to achieve that will take at least a few months to accomplish.  

Long-term goals can be intimidating to get started on. Try dividing your long-term goal into five short-term goals that you can work towards along the way to your long-term goal. A short-term goal is something that can be completed in a short period of time like a day, a few days, or a few weeks.  

Example:  

Long-term goal: Set up a tipi by end of the year 

Short-term goal 1: Identify a teacher to help 

Short-term goal 2: Learn how a hide is made 

Short term goal 3: Learn traditional artwork  

Short term goal 4: Acquire materials for the tipi 

Short term goal 5: Set up tipi