Gathering of Native Americans/Gathering of Alaska Natives

The Gathering of Native Americans/Gathering of Alaska Natives (GONA/GOAN) program is a 3-day community event that aims to promote wellness and address community-identified issues. The GONA/GOAN is designed for the whole community including youth, elders, tribal leaders, and spiritual leaders, but a GONA/GOAN can be focused on youth. Native practitioners developed the GONA/GOAN curriculum to empower Native communities, promote mental health, and facilitate healing in response to historical trauma, mental and substance use disorders, and suicide. The GONA/GOAN also seeks to reinforce cultural connections and support healthy and safe child development.  

In preparation for the GONA/GOAN, a GONA/GOAN consultant establishes a planning committee with diverse members of the community at least 2 months before the event. The community-led planning process ensures that the event is representative of the community’s unique cultural traditions, spiritual practices, perspective, issues, and needs.  

At the GONA/GOAN, the GONA/GOAN consultant and community-based facilitators guide participants through a four-phase curriculum focused on the principles of: (1) Belonging, (2) Mastery, (3) Interdependence, and (4) Generosity. In the first phase, Belonging, facilitators try to foster a sense of belonging by teaching participants about the GONA/GOAN principles and norms, setting aside a safe space for self-care and healing (such as a mediation or prayer room), and forming small teams that participate in activities together throughout the GONA/GOAN. In the second phase, Mastery, participants focus on understanding how historical trauma impacts their community, identifying what fosters individual and community resilience, and promoting healing and recovery. In the third phase, Interdependence, participants work together to create a community prevention and wellness plan designed to strengthen community and personal interconnectedness and identify resources to support the community. In the fourth phase, Generosity, participants acknowledge the role of elders, teachers, and rituals and ceremonies and honor the cultural importance of giving back to others and the community. Participants also commit to their own personal wellness and to helping their community address and prevent mental and substance use disorders, prevent suicide, and promote mental health. 

Each phase includes an opening and closing ceremony based on cultural traditions, community and team trust building activities, energizer activities designed to get participants moving and interacting with each other, and the identification of individual and community practices. Each phase also includes educational activities and discussion around the main topics of historical trauma, mental and substance use disorders, suicide, and the promotion of mental health. During these discussions, local behavioral health professionals or spiritual leaders, referred to as “helpers,” are available to provide additional individual support to participants as needed. Finally, throughout the GONA/GOAN, facilitators integrate the sharing of stories, rituals, and ceremonies that are culturally appropriate to the local community.  

Gathering of Native Americans/Gathering of Alaska Natives does not currently meet criteria to receive a rating because no studies met eligibility criteria for review.

Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed: Mar 2024

Sources

The following sources informed the program or service description, target population, and program or service delivery and implementation information: the program or service manual and the program or service developer’s website.

This information does not necessarily represent the views of the program or service developers. For more information on how this program or service was reviewed, visit the Review Process page or download the Handbook.