Incorporating traditional healing practices into crime prevention efforts within tribal communities yields multifaceted benefits. Not only do these practices foster community engagement, but they also provide a platform for identifying the complex root causes of criminal behavior, allowing for a more targeted and effective approach to intervention. Furthermore, traditional healing practices, being community-centered, offer holistic solutions that address the symptoms and the underlying societal and cultural factors contributing to crime. By nurturing a deeper connection between individuals and their communities, these practices empower community members with the skills and support necessary for personal growth and success, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the community.
Incorporating traditional healing practices helps bring balance and harmony to tribal communities. These practices allow individuals to express the causes of their criminal behavior and reconnect with their community and environment. They also provide the community, law enforcement, and leadership with comprehensive and sustainable approaches to addressing crime. Traditional healing practices resonate with the community, establish trust and engagement, and offer effective crime prevention strategies for addressing the challenges tribal communities face.
In tribal communities, for example, healing to wellness courts have been established to provide tribal members with the opportunity to address the causes of their criminal behavior and implement traditional healing practices to help guide them, according to U.S. Department of Justice (n.d.), “the overall goal of Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts is the healing of individuals, families, and communities by directing participants onto a healing journey” (U.S. Department of Justice, n.d.). Utilizing traditional healing practices in tribal healing to wellness courts facilitate individual compliance and deter criminal activities on tribal lands. Employing methods that assist individuals contributes to maintaining a safe and compliant community environment.
Traditional healing practices play a crucial role in crime prevention programs within tribal communities, particularly in supporting the overall well-being of tribal youth. These programs encompass outreach initiatives and mental health programs, among other services and programs that integrate traditional healing practices to cater to the specific needs of tribal members. This incorporation of traditional healing practices facilitates the development of a more holistic approach, as previously mentioned, to reduce recidivism and prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
It is important to recognize that while traditional healing practices may not be a universal solution for all crime prevention programs, they can effectively complement existing evidence-based approaches and interventions. Traditional healing practices can enrich crime prevention programs and ensure progress by offering unique perspectives and strategies that are accepted by specific communities. Incorporating these practices into such programs can advance a more appropriate approach to assist tribal communities in addressing crime, ultimately contributing to successful crime prevention efforts in tribal communities.
Reference:
U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/bja/188154.pdf
