September 6, 2022 • 25 mins
In this episode, co-hosts Crystal Hernandez, Psy.D., MBA, and Shauna Humphries, MS, LPC, will welcome listeners to Black Feathers Podcast. In this podcast we will discuss disability-related topics of interest to Tribal communities through data, storytelling, and innovative content. Crystal and Shauna will share their own families stories with disability and how that motivated them to improve family access to resources and remove barriers for all. Thank you for joining us and remember together, we are stronger and it is the roots that bind us and that none of us walk alone.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Crystal Hernandez (00:00):
Welcome to black feathers podcast, a true
(00:02):
and honest conversation aboutdisabilities for all. I'm your
host, Dr. Crystal Hernandez fromthe Cherokee Nation,
Shauna Humphreys (00:09):
and I am Shauna Humphreys from Choctaw
Nation.
Crystal Hernandez (00:15):
Chief Joseph Hinmatóowyalahtq̓it first spoke
of equity, dignity, and rightsfor all more than 140 years ago,
we are still striving for thisvery thing today. [flute music]
Treat all men alike. Give themall the same law, give them all
(00:36):
an even chance to live and grow.
All men were made by the samegreat spirit chief. They are all
brothers. The earth is themother of all people, and all
people should have equal rightsupon it. Let them be free man,
free to travel, free to stop,free to work, free to trade,
free to think and talk and actfor myself.
(01:06):
Throughout this podcast, we willbring forth critical content on
a variety of disability topicswithin our tribal nations,
including pivotal stories andresources, highlighting the
uniqueness and solidarity of ourjourneys. The hope is that we
can lean in on one another,realizing we never walk alone,
(01:27):
and the beauty of our storieshold power and allow space for
others to share their story. Mayeach of our journeys be like a
pebble in the ocean, and unitedcreate the tidal wave of change.
In 2019, the State of the Statesin Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilitiesproject of national significance
(01:48):
asked to partner with an arrayof tribal members to understand
the journey of people withintribal nations. The genesis of
Black Feathers emerged fromthese conversations. I am so
incredibly proud and honored tohave served on this project and
continue to serve the state ofthe states today. When I started
my family's disability journey,I never imagined it would be one
(02:10):
with so many obstacles, twistsand turns and in some instances,
full blown barricades. It washowever, also one of resilience,
growth, community and humility.
The presence of others with likehearts and minds, unimaginable
beauty and strength trulychanged my life. Everyone needs
a community, a place where theycan put down their guard and
(02:35):
remove the armor. A place wherethey can be their authentic
self, being embraced andcelebrated in their truest form,
is the best and loudest symbolof love. The concept of
disability within tribal nationshas no exact translation to the
Western world, and instead takeson meaning that embraces
(02:58):
strengths and a sense ofbelonging. The gaps between
service, supports and needs islarge in the general community,
and even larger within specificsubsets of disability. Within
tribal nations, it is nodifferent and often amplified by
systems and services that werecreated without care or
inclusion of the very people andnations they were intended to
(03:21):
serve. Our people need theirvoices amplified and heard to be
included in the truest sense ofthe word in crafting systems of
support and care, that haveequity and dignity that are
entrenched in honor, and thatembody customs, beliefs and
practices central to our veryexistence. [flute music]
Shauna Humphreys (03:51):
All right, a little story to how I got to be
on this podcast with Dr.
Hernandez. First of all, it's anhonor to be here and to
represent Choctaw Nation. yearsago back in, I guess, the 1980s
there was not a lot of words fordisability. I had a stepdad that
had a brother, so I guess a stepuncle. And they described it as
having water spot on the brain.
(04:15):
And although he was grown, hehad the development of a seven
or eight year old and was alsospeech impaired. So at a very
young age, I remember learningbasic sign language to
communicate with him and endedup using that skill like a few
times within the community. Fastforward and as I'm going to
(04:35):
college, I started out as anaccounting major, and then
switch to RehabilitationScience, which is the bachelors
level of the CRC the CertifiedRehabilitation counselors. There
I learned about a variety ofdisabilities and skills and how
to help individuals truly focuson their strengths. I remember
(04:56):
doing a wheelchair project whenI was in obtaining my
Bachelor's, and I remember goingto Walmart In the wheelchair and
not very many people looking youin the eye, or even holding the
door open for you or not knowingwhat to say to you really opened
my eyes to some of the stigmathat people with disabilities
(05:17):
face. And then I continue to getolder and start working for my
tribe, I realized there's notenough information on Native
Americans with disabilities,there's not enough voice. It's
very prevalent with NativeAmericans. But yet there's just
not enough information or data.
And now as LPC, a licensedprofessional counselor, and
(05:38):
personally, I also have a halfbrother and nephew that are on
the autism spectrum. The NativeAmerican views seem to be
different on those withdisabilities, there seems to be
less stigma, and they make roomfor the difference. The language
is also there's no equivalentfor a word for handicapped or
(05:58):
disabled. The language oftenjust explains the difference,
but never in a negative way. Sofor example, to be deaf is haks
obish isa which haksobish isears, and this is all in
Choctaw, and isa means stop. Solike ears stop. And then blind
is nishkin isa, which nishkin iseyes and isa is stopped.
Crystal Hernandez (06:28):
So my family's disability journey
started. About six years ago, myyoungest child started
displaying really early on somesigns and symptoms that made me
believe that he needed furtherevaluation and screening related
to a developmental disability, Ishould probably say that I'm
(06:51):
also a trained psychologist.
However, at the time, the onlypediatric population that I was
working with were those thatwere victimized, or that were
perpetrators of offenses. So Ihad very little training on
Developmental Disabilities frommy graduate program, and any
subsequent training. And so as amom, I started noticing
(07:16):
differences in the way that heattended or didn't attend to his
name to noises, I noticed thatthere were differences in the
way that he would feed histongue movement, I noticed that
there were a little differentways that he would move his
toes, and it and just some somethings like that. And knowing
(07:37):
what I knew, which was verylittle at the time in terms of
developmental psychology. Italked to his pediatrician. He
was about 14 months at the timeor so. And at that time,
pediatricians were reallytelling me, he's he every
child's different. He's yourthird, you can't really gauge
(07:59):
them off of the other two. Andreally wanted me to just wait,
just wait. He's a boy. A monthor two passed, I continue to
advocate for a screening. And Ihave to say, screenings are
recommended by American Academyof Pediatrics. He continued to
(08:21):
push me off. And I continue toadvocate. It came to the point
of me basically not allowing forno not allowing for a just wait
any longer. I requested thescreening. He finally did the
screening. He was about 17months old. And he recommended
(08:44):
at that point based off thescreening content that he was
displaying some developmentaldisability indicators, made a
referral to a pediatricpsychologist who specialized in
developmental disabilities andintellectual disabilities. Just
shy of two years old. We went infor that evaluation that felt
(09:07):
like an eternity to come. And Ihave to say again, as a
psychologist sitting in thatroom, the appointment lasted
less than 45 minutes, I noticedthat there were an array of
psychological tests within thebookshelf in the bags. I noticed
(09:28):
that there was a lot of justquestionnaires and surveys on
the desk, but none of them wereused. She asked me a few
questions about his development,his play, and my pregnancy.
Asked for him to engage with adump truck and a puzzle piece.
(09:51):
And after that stated that wewere done. I at that point asked
why none of the instrumentationwas deployed. And she was
shocked and surprised that Iknew what the instruments were.
So that told me that she did notread my file, she did not
understand that I was apsychologist a couple blocks
(10:14):
away. Yes, not working with thatsame population in the same way.
But having enough knowledge andinformation to know that this
was inappropriate. I immediatelywalked out, requested to speak
to the supervisor expressed myfrustration and asked for a
reevaluation. While we werewaiting for the reevaluation, I
(10:37):
did get the initial evaluationback. She had diagnosed him with
expressive and receptivelanguage delays, and repetitive
motion disorder. For his pacingand his tiptoe walking. I was
completely appalled, frustrated,and also had a moment where I
(10:59):
sat there and said, If I wastreated this way, my child was
treated this way, knowing what Iknow. Now, what does the average
person treated? Like? How manytimes are we getting it wrong?
And how many times are peopleleft without a voice? Because
(11:21):
you don't know what you don'tknow.
And sometimes, we're, we'resupposed to be quiet, we're
supposed to be small. And we'renot supposed to make waves when
somebody is the professional inthe room. So it was that moment
that I realized that I needed todo everything in my power to
(11:43):
change the way that people weretreated with disabilities,
people were treated, that wentthrough evaluation process that
that had their rights and theirdignity stripped, it was that
moment that I realized that wasmy path forward, is to help
other parents and caregivers, tobe a mentor, to to work with
(12:05):
professionals, and help themdevelop the skill to hear and to
lean in and to learn and to openup and realize that sometimes we
need to grow. My son, my son'ssecond evaluation did come back
to diagnosed with autismspectrum. So we started our
(12:30):
autism journey. That way, and itwas a bumpy start. But it's
going and growing and teachingme so many things, about life,
about myself, about humanity,and certainly about being a
professional. [drumming music]So, you know, when we talk about
(12:54):
disabilities, and we talk aboutour tribal nations, and services
and in supports and differentthings like that, Shauna, it's
just how often do we see thesemassive, you know, vacant spaces
of information, or even theability to say that we need
(13:15):
more.
Shauna Humphreys (13:18):
Kind of like when your story you're talking
about how, you know, you go in,and they're like, Oh, well, it's
a boy, or Well, that's whatexplains the difference. It's
almost like it's just not reallywanting to be faced sometimes to
in our tribal nation seem tohave less of a voice. Because,
you know, a lot of times ourpediatricians are not Native
American themselves. And so itreally is there's, there's some
(13:41):
gaps that need to be filled in,we need to be that voice to help
all those in need.
Crystal Hernandez (13:47):
You know, a lot of times we talked about
awareness and awareness andawareness. And I know, you know,
in the groups that thisdisability groups that I'm
affiliated with, and part of,yes, awareness is key and
critical, because a lot ofgroups and people still aren't
aware that it's really aboutinitiation and action at this
point, and trying to createopportunities for groups and
(14:13):
people to be heard, to have gapsfilled to, to really be included
and have that true sense ofequity that, you know, is beyond
just, you know, this, this wordthat gets tossed around, you
know, and working in mentalhealth space and working in
social services and, and justspaces that touch humans.
(14:36):
Oftentimes in our tribalnations, the things that we do
that are so critical and vital,don't fit the mold that Western
society and the governing bodiesreally want us to have and do.
And I think it's a huge missedopportunity to truly have an
(14:56):
embrace, things that work andthings that can work. work and,
and bring hope and, and reallyare culturally rooted and
dignified.
Shauna Humphreys (15:08):
Yes, I agree, you know, Native American
culture, we're very collectiveculture. So it's not individual,
you know, like Western society,you know, we stay together as a
community and often haveintergenerational families like
staying in a household together.
And as you know, on the mentalhealth realm, that is, you know,
that's a protective factor for alot of different arenas is
(15:29):
having that family support. Andso like tapping into that, in
our storytelling, and our way oflife, healing, mind, body, and
soul, kind of that wholeconnection is huge. And we do
see a difference here, it's likemind is separate in the western
society, mind is separate thanthe physical side, and then the
(15:49):
spiritual side, you know, it mayor may not even be considered,
whereas Native Americans, allthree is what makes a person
whole.
Crystal Hernandez (16:00):
Right? It's interesting that you mentioned
storytelling, storytelling isgoing to be one of the main
components of this podcast, youknow, and through storytelling
and listening, we gain newperspectives and understanding
of the world around us. Wechallenge and expand our own
understanding by exploring howothers see and know their world.
(16:21):
By sharing and listening to eachother stories, we get a little
bit closer to what's actual,what's real, what's true. You
know, and within our nation's,we see it as a primary means to
pass down knowledge. And, and wegive space and honor to
tradition, and to people thatwere vital and critical within
(16:42):
our lives and the lives thatfollow. And so I'm so happy that
you mentioned storytelling,because I really wanted to
emphasize the significance ofthat on our people.
Shauna Humphreys (16:54):
Yes, I agree.
And, you know, in storytellingtakes on many forms, like, we
think storytelling is like, youknow, talking and telling our
stories, like we just did, butyou know, Native American
culture, it's also like the Actof, you know, doing our dance
and our song, and things likethat, but it is carrying our
traditions and also a way toteach in, like you said, new
perspectives. So you're teachinga new perspective from someone,
(17:19):
or there's usually a moral to astory that we're trying to pass
down to our children. And soyes, it's very, very huge
component in Native Americancultures, in a way to carry that
history and to bring light tosubjects that may not have
received light before.
Crystal Hernandez (17:39):
Absolutely.
And we, with storytelling, andwith honor with with kind of the
past on of what we're talkingabout, throughout this podcast,
and every episode, I wouldimagine, we can never talk
enough about the impact ofhistorical trauma, you know,
the, the collective emotionalwounding that transcends across
generations, for our people, youknow, it goes on to, you know,
(18:03):
folks that aren't even born yet,right? When we're talking about
the loss of life and the loss ofland, loss of population, the
loss of culture, language,traditions, you know, and
resources even, and howimpactful that is on everything
that we do from the way that welearn and love and, and engage
(18:27):
the trust the way that weparent, the way that we work and
the career paths we choose. Youknow, it's all entrenched in
this historical trauma. Butalso, with that, there's the
hope and the healing that comesfrom us. We are such resilient
people that can and do oftenstep forward and work together
(18:53):
and like you said, come togetherin ways that are so powerful.
Shauna Humphreys (19:02):
Yes, and I often say, you know, our
ancestors chose to walk thattrail to give us a better life
versus staying and possiblybeing, you know, completely
killed off, you know, for lackof a better, better term, they
chose to, that was their hope tomove to the new land, that way,
we all had a chance to live andto grow, and to look back and
(19:26):
see like how far our tribes havecame, you know, and then, you
know, even looking at, at us,you know, like we're symbols of
that resiliency and that hopethat they had for us for future
and so, it's up to us to carryit on.
Crystal Hernandez (19:40):
Throughout the State of the States in
Intellectual DevelopmentalDisability conversations. And
this podcast idea, how can wereach people what is what is not
being done? You know, in thework that I do, publicly and
privately, it's, I've alwaysasked why is there no where it
Where there's a collectiveresource for all the things that
(20:04):
we talk about, whether it's itssubstance use, whether it's
mental health, whether it'sintellectual, and developmental
disabilities, whether it'sphysical disabilities, there's
no collective spaces for ongoingtribal resource for tribal
nations, for our community, forour members, there's just
subsets and pockets and adocument here and there. And so
(20:28):
we were trying to we were, wewere thinking about how can we
come together in a way that'sunique. And so from that the
podcast, and so after we startedtalking about it, I was really
thinking about things that I'veseen talking to so many people
in so many different states. Youknow, what, what this all was
(20:48):
for them, how it was someaningful for them to be able
to share, to be able to lean into be able to come together. And
it was really about thatjourney, and that wholeness and
that togetherness, and and fromthat it was you know, you see
the feathers on your walks, andyou and you know that you're not
alone, and you know thatsomebody's with you. For me
personally, when I see them, Iconstantly think of my grandma,
(21:12):
and, and how she's with me, andI know she's with me. And
everything that I do, because ofher through her with her, even
though she's no longerphysically with me. [flute
music]
Shauna Humphreys (21:39):
To provide a description of our black
feathers podcast logo, it's acircular logo, when it has two
feathers, following the circle,the colors of the feathers are
black and red, with a turquoisebackground. This symbolizes a
lot of things.
Crystal Hernandez (21:57):
And so coming together, looking at how to
design a logo, we were sowonderfully lucky to have a
disabled artist with magicalskills, take this meaning in
these stories, and really comeup with a concept that embodied
everything that we weredescribing, you know, we're
(22:19):
talking about harmony, we weretalking about the journey,
talking about not being alone,and having those subtle
reminders that we're not alone,but then also weaving through
the warrior. And the fact thatwe're resilient, and we will
fight and we will stand up andstand with and push forward. And
(22:39):
so taking all of that content,and really designing this logo
in such a powerful andmeaningful way. was fantastic.
And I'm so proud. Yes.
Shauna Humphreys (22:53):
Same, I'm very proud of that logo. And how it
all came about was justbeautiful. Very beautiful. You
know how they found the artist.
It's a passion of the artistsand everything that is
symbolizes. This, this logo issomething I'm also very proud of
Crystal Hernandez (23:13):
even having the website. You know, after we
just we discussed having thispodcast, we discussed having
this podcast and what thatintended audience would be and
what that intended meaning wouldbe. And immediately, we thought
about the gap that I talkedabout. There is no collective
resource place that has ongoingup to date, easily accessible
(23:36):
resource and content. And wewanted that website tied to this
podcast, so that we can directfolks over and they're able to
look and obtain and see butwe're also able to use and
engage in meaningful ways withthem collect information that
would really help drive thedecisions of our partners and
(23:58):
our stakeholders and our fundersabout the decisions they make
when setting up fundingopportunities or supporting
different projects and programsthroughout the tribal nations.
And it's an amazing opportunityto be able to have your voice
heard your story told yourinformation, really used in
(24:18):
meaningful ways that will helpyou your families, your
communities, and our people[flute music]
So mother sing me a song thatwill ease my pain, mend broken
bones, bring wholeness again.
Catch my babies when they areborn. sing my song, teach me how
to mourn. Show me the medicineof the healing herbs, the value
(24:42):
of spirit, the way I can serve.
Mother heal my heart so that Ican see the gifts of yours that
can live through me.
Join us next month for episodeare two of Black Feathers
podcast. We will be discussingthe concepts of mental health,
(25:05):
mental wellness and mentalillness. So Black Feathers
podcast is a podcast that willoccur on a monthly basis. We
hope that you will listensubscribe and follow us on
social media. Thank you toCherokee National Treasure Tommy
Wildcat for the use of yourflute music on this podcast.
Shauna Humphreys (25:23):
I want to thank Lucas Fraiser and tha boyz
for letting us use theirdrumming music. Please subscribe
to Black Feathers podcast. Youcan find us wherever podcasts
are found.
Crystal Hernandez (25:32):
We would love to hear from you and invite you
to submit your stories andquestions. Until next time.
Shauna Humphreys (25:38):
Thank you for joining us on this month's
journey. Remember, none of uswalk this alone. Together. We
are stronger and it is the rootsthat bind us. Follow us on
blackfeathers.org
Welcome to black feathers podcast, a true
(00:02):
and honest conversation aboutdisabilities for all. I'm your
host, Dr. Crystal Hernandez fromthe Cherokee Nation,
Shauna Humphreys (00:09):
and I am Shauna Humphreys from Choctaw
Nation.
Crystal Hernandez (00:15):
Chief Joseph Hinmatóowyalahtq̓it first spoke
of equity, dignity, and rightsfor all more than 140 years ago,
we are still striving for thisvery thing today. [flute music]
Treat all men alike. Give themall the same law, give them all
(00:36):
an even chance to live and grow.
All men were made by the samegreat spirit chief. They are all
brothers. The earth is themother of all people, and all
people should have equal rightsupon it. Let them be free man,
free to travel, free to stop,free to work, free to trade,
free to think and talk and actfor myself.
(01:06):
Throughout this podcast, we willbring forth critical content on
a variety of disability topicswithin our tribal nations,
including pivotal stories andresources, highlighting the
uniqueness and solidarity of ourjourneys. The hope is that we
can lean in on one another,realizing we never walk alone,
(01:27):
and the beauty of our storieshold power and allow space for
others to share their story. Mayeach of our journeys be like a
pebble in the ocean, and unitedcreate the tidal wave of change.
In 2019, the State of the Statesin Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilitiesproject of national significance
(01:48):
asked to partner with an arrayof tribal members to understand
the journey of people withintribal nations. The genesis of
Black Feathers emerged fromthese conversations. I am so
incredibly proud and honored tohave served on this project and
continue to serve the state ofthe states today. When I started
my family's disability journey,I never imagined it would be one
(02:10):
with so many obstacles, twistsand turns and in some instances,
full blown barricades. It washowever, also one of resilience,
growth, community and humility.
The presence of others with likehearts and minds, unimaginable
beauty and strength trulychanged my life. Everyone needs
a community, a place where theycan put down their guard and
(02:35):
remove the armor. A place wherethey can be their authentic
self, being embraced andcelebrated in their truest form,
is the best and loudest symbolof love. The concept of
disability within tribal nationshas no exact translation to the
Western world, and instead takeson meaning that embraces
(02:58):
strengths and a sense ofbelonging. The gaps between
service, supports and needs islarge in the general community,
and even larger within specificsubsets of disability. Within
tribal nations, it is nodifferent and often amplified by
systems and services that werecreated without care or
inclusion of the very people andnations they were intended to
(03:21):
serve. Our people need theirvoices amplified and heard to be
included in the truest sense ofthe word in crafting systems of
support and care, that haveequity and dignity that are
entrenched in honor, and thatembody customs, beliefs and
practices central to our veryexistence. [flute music]
Shauna Humphreys (03:51):
All right, a little story to how I got to be
on this podcast with Dr.
Hernandez. First of all, it's anhonor to be here and to
represent Choctaw Nation. yearsago back in, I guess, the 1980s
there was not a lot of words fordisability. I had a stepdad that
had a brother, so I guess a stepuncle. And they described it as
having water spot on the brain.
(04:15):
And although he was grown, hehad the development of a seven
or eight year old and was alsospeech impaired. So at a very
young age, I remember learningbasic sign language to
communicate with him and endedup using that skill like a few
times within the community. Fastforward and as I'm going to
(04:35):
college, I started out as anaccounting major, and then
switch to RehabilitationScience, which is the bachelors
level of the CRC the CertifiedRehabilitation counselors. There
I learned about a variety ofdisabilities and skills and how
to help individuals truly focuson their strengths. I remember
(04:56):
doing a wheelchair project whenI was in obtaining my
Bachelor's, and I remember goingto Walmart In the wheelchair and
not very many people looking youin the eye, or even holding the
door open for you or not knowingwhat to say to you really opened
my eyes to some of the stigmathat people with disabilities
(05:17):
face. And then I continue to getolder and start working for my
tribe, I realized there's notenough information on Native
Americans with disabilities,there's not enough voice. It's
very prevalent with NativeAmericans. But yet there's just
not enough information or data.
And now as LPC, a licensedprofessional counselor, and
(05:38):
personally, I also have a halfbrother and nephew that are on
the autism spectrum. The NativeAmerican views seem to be
different on those withdisabilities, there seems to be
less stigma, and they make roomfor the difference. The language
is also there's no equivalentfor a word for handicapped or
(05:58):
disabled. The language oftenjust explains the difference,
but never in a negative way. Sofor example, to be deaf is haks
obish isa which haksobish isears, and this is all in
Choctaw, and isa means stop. Solike ears stop. And then blind
is nishkin isa, which nishkin iseyes and isa is stopped.
Crystal Hernandez (06:28):
So my family's disability journey
started. About six years ago, myyoungest child started
displaying really early on somesigns and symptoms that made me
believe that he needed furtherevaluation and screening related
to a developmental disability, Ishould probably say that I'm
(06:51):
also a trained psychologist.
However, at the time, the onlypediatric population that I was
working with were those thatwere victimized, or that were
perpetrators of offenses. So Ihad very little training on
Developmental Disabilities frommy graduate program, and any
subsequent training. And so as amom, I started noticing
(07:16):
differences in the way that heattended or didn't attend to his
name to noises, I noticed thatthere were differences in the
way that he would feed histongue movement, I noticed that
there were a little differentways that he would move his
toes, and it and just some somethings like that. And knowing
(07:37):
what I knew, which was verylittle at the time in terms of
developmental psychology. Italked to his pediatrician. He
was about 14 months at the timeor so. And at that time,
pediatricians were reallytelling me, he's he every
child's different. He's yourthird, you can't really gauge
(07:59):
them off of the other two. Andreally wanted me to just wait,
just wait. He's a boy. A monthor two passed, I continue to
advocate for a screening. And Ihave to say, screenings are
recommended by American Academyof Pediatrics. He continued to
(08:21):
push me off. And I continue toadvocate. It came to the point
of me basically not allowing forno not allowing for a just wait
any longer. I requested thescreening. He finally did the
screening. He was about 17months old. And he recommended
(08:44):
at that point based off thescreening content that he was
displaying some developmentaldisability indicators, made a
referral to a pediatricpsychologist who specialized in
developmental disabilities andintellectual disabilities. Just
shy of two years old. We went infor that evaluation that felt
(09:07):
like an eternity to come. And Ihave to say again, as a
psychologist sitting in thatroom, the appointment lasted
less than 45 minutes, I noticedthat there were an array of
psychological tests within thebookshelf in the bags. I noticed
(09:28):
that there was a lot of justquestionnaires and surveys on
the desk, but none of them wereused. She asked me a few
questions about his development,his play, and my pregnancy.
Asked for him to engage with adump truck and a puzzle piece.
(09:51):
And after that stated that wewere done. I at that point asked
why none of the instrumentationwas deployed. And she was
shocked and surprised that Iknew what the instruments were.
So that told me that she did notread my file, she did not
understand that I was apsychologist a couple blocks
(10:14):
away. Yes, not working with thatsame population in the same way.
But having enough knowledge andinformation to know that this
was inappropriate. I immediatelywalked out, requested to speak
to the supervisor expressed myfrustration and asked for a
reevaluation. While we werewaiting for the reevaluation, I
(10:37):
did get the initial evaluationback. She had diagnosed him with
expressive and receptivelanguage delays, and repetitive
motion disorder. For his pacingand his tiptoe walking. I was
completely appalled, frustrated,and also had a moment where I
(10:59):
sat there and said, If I wastreated this way, my child was
treated this way, knowing what Iknow. Now, what does the average
person treated? Like? How manytimes are we getting it wrong?
And how many times are peopleleft without a voice? Because
(11:21):
you don't know what you don'tknow.
And sometimes, we're, we'resupposed to be quiet, we're
supposed to be small. And we'renot supposed to make waves when
somebody is the professional inthe room. So it was that moment
that I realized that I needed todo everything in my power to
(11:43):
change the way that people weretreated with disabilities,
people were treated, that wentthrough evaluation process that
that had their rights and theirdignity stripped, it was that
moment that I realized that wasmy path forward, is to help
other parents and caregivers, tobe a mentor, to to work with
(12:05):
professionals, and help themdevelop the skill to hear and to
lean in and to learn and to openup and realize that sometimes we
need to grow. My son, my son'ssecond evaluation did come back
to diagnosed with autismspectrum. So we started our
(12:30):
autism journey. That way, and itwas a bumpy start. But it's
going and growing and teachingme so many things, about life,
about myself, about humanity,and certainly about being a
professional. [drumming music]So, you know, when we talk about
(12:54):
disabilities, and we talk aboutour tribal nations, and services
and in supports and differentthings like that, Shauna, it's
just how often do we see thesemassive, you know, vacant spaces
of information, or even theability to say that we need
(13:15):
more.
Shauna Humphreys (13:18):
Kind of like when your story you're talking
about how, you know, you go in,and they're like, Oh, well, it's
a boy, or Well, that's whatexplains the difference. It's
almost like it's just not reallywanting to be faced sometimes to
in our tribal nation seem tohave less of a voice. Because,
you know, a lot of times ourpediatricians are not Native
American themselves. And so itreally is there's, there's some
(13:41):
gaps that need to be filled in,we need to be that voice to help
all those in need.
Crystal Hernandez (13:47):
You know, a lot of times we talked about
awareness and awareness andawareness. And I know, you know,
in the groups that thisdisability groups that I'm
affiliated with, and part of,yes, awareness is key and
critical, because a lot ofgroups and people still aren't
aware that it's really aboutinitiation and action at this
point, and trying to createopportunities for groups and
(14:13):
people to be heard, to have gapsfilled to, to really be included
and have that true sense ofequity that, you know, is beyond
just, you know, this, this wordthat gets tossed around, you
know, and working in mentalhealth space and working in
social services and, and justspaces that touch humans.
(14:36):
Oftentimes in our tribalnations, the things that we do
that are so critical and vital,don't fit the mold that Western
society and the governing bodiesreally want us to have and do.
And I think it's a huge missedopportunity to truly have an
(14:56):
embrace, things that work andthings that can work. work and,
and bring hope and, and reallyare culturally rooted and
dignified.
Shauna Humphreys (15:08):
Yes, I agree, you know, Native American
culture, we're very collectiveculture. So it's not individual,
you know, like Western society,you know, we stay together as a
community and often haveintergenerational families like
staying in a household together.
And as you know, on the mentalhealth realm, that is, you know,
that's a protective factor for alot of different arenas is
(15:29):
having that family support. Andso like tapping into that, in
our storytelling, and our way oflife, healing, mind, body, and
soul, kind of that wholeconnection is huge. And we do
see a difference here, it's likemind is separate in the western
society, mind is separate thanthe physical side, and then the
(15:49):
spiritual side, you know, it mayor may not even be considered,
whereas Native Americans, allthree is what makes a person
whole.
Crystal Hernandez (16:00):
Right? It's interesting that you mentioned
storytelling, storytelling isgoing to be one of the main
components of this podcast, youknow, and through storytelling
and listening, we gain newperspectives and understanding
of the world around us. Wechallenge and expand our own
understanding by exploring howothers see and know their world.
(16:21):
By sharing and listening to eachother stories, we get a little
bit closer to what's actual,what's real, what's true. You
know, and within our nation's,we see it as a primary means to
pass down knowledge. And, and wegive space and honor to
tradition, and to people thatwere vital and critical within
(16:42):
our lives and the lives thatfollow. And so I'm so happy that
you mentioned storytelling,because I really wanted to
emphasize the significance ofthat on our people.
Shauna Humphreys (16:54):
Yes, I agree.
And, you know, in storytellingtakes on many forms, like, we
think storytelling is like, youknow, talking and telling our
stories, like we just did, butyou know, Native American
culture, it's also like the Actof, you know, doing our dance
and our song, and things likethat, but it is carrying our
traditions and also a way toteach in, like you said, new
perspectives. So you're teachinga new perspective from someone,
(17:19):
or there's usually a moral to astory that we're trying to pass
down to our children. And soyes, it's very, very huge
component in Native Americancultures, in a way to carry that
history and to bring light tosubjects that may not have
received light before.
Crystal Hernandez (17:39):
Absolutely.
And we, with storytelling, andwith honor with with kind of the
past on of what we're talkingabout, throughout this podcast,
and every episode, I wouldimagine, we can never talk
enough about the impact ofhistorical trauma, you know,
the, the collective emotionalwounding that transcends across
generations, for our people, youknow, it goes on to, you know,
(18:03):
folks that aren't even born yet,right? When we're talking about
the loss of life and the loss ofland, loss of population, the
loss of culture, language,traditions, you know, and
resources even, and howimpactful that is on everything
that we do from the way that welearn and love and, and engage
(18:27):
the trust the way that weparent, the way that we work and
the career paths we choose. Youknow, it's all entrenched in
this historical trauma. Butalso, with that, there's the
hope and the healing that comesfrom us. We are such resilient
people that can and do oftenstep forward and work together
(18:53):
and like you said, come togetherin ways that are so powerful.
Shauna Humphreys (19:02):
Yes, and I often say, you know, our
ancestors chose to walk thattrail to give us a better life
versus staying and possiblybeing, you know, completely
killed off, you know, for lackof a better, better term, they
chose to, that was their hope tomove to the new land, that way,
we all had a chance to live andto grow, and to look back and
(19:26):
see like how far our tribes havecame, you know, and then, you
know, even looking at, at us,you know, like we're symbols of
that resiliency and that hopethat they had for us for future
and so, it's up to us to carryit on.
Crystal Hernandez (19:40):
Throughout the State of the States in
Intellectual DevelopmentalDisability conversations. And
this podcast idea, how can wereach people what is what is not
being done? You know, in thework that I do, publicly and
privately, it's, I've alwaysasked why is there no where it
Where there's a collectiveresource for all the things that
(20:04):
we talk about, whether it's itssubstance use, whether it's
mental health, whether it'sintellectual, and developmental
disabilities, whether it'sphysical disabilities, there's
no collective spaces for ongoingtribal resource for tribal
nations, for our community, forour members, there's just
subsets and pockets and adocument here and there. And so
(20:28):
we were trying to we were, wewere thinking about how can we
come together in a way that'sunique. And so from that the
podcast, and so after we startedtalking about it, I was really
thinking about things that I'veseen talking to so many people
in so many different states. Youknow, what, what this all was
(20:48):
for them, how it was someaningful for them to be able
to share, to be able to lean into be able to come together. And
it was really about thatjourney, and that wholeness and
that togetherness, and and fromthat it was you know, you see
the feathers on your walks, andyou and you know that you're not
alone, and you know thatsomebody's with you. For me
personally, when I see them, Iconstantly think of my grandma,
(21:12):
and, and how she's with me, andI know she's with me. And
everything that I do, because ofher through her with her, even
though she's no longerphysically with me. [flute
music]
Shauna Humphreys (21:39):
To provide a description of our black
feathers podcast logo, it's acircular logo, when it has two
feathers, following the circle,the colors of the feathers are
black and red, with a turquoisebackground. This symbolizes a
lot of things.
Crystal Hernandez (21:57):
And so coming together, looking at how to
design a logo, we were sowonderfully lucky to have a
disabled artist with magicalskills, take this meaning in
these stories, and really comeup with a concept that embodied
everything that we weredescribing, you know, we're
(22:19):
talking about harmony, we weretalking about the journey,
talking about not being alone,and having those subtle
reminders that we're not alone,but then also weaving through
the warrior. And the fact thatwe're resilient, and we will
fight and we will stand up andstand with and push forward. And
(22:39):
so taking all of that content,and really designing this logo
in such a powerful andmeaningful way. was fantastic.
And I'm so proud. Yes.
Shauna Humphreys (22:53):
Same, I'm very proud of that logo. And how it
all came about was justbeautiful. Very beautiful. You
know how they found the artist.
It's a passion of the artistsand everything that is
symbolizes. This, this logo issomething I'm also very proud of
Crystal Hernandez (23:13):
even having the website. You know, after we
just we discussed having thispodcast, we discussed having
this podcast and what thatintended audience would be and
what that intended meaning wouldbe. And immediately, we thought
about the gap that I talkedabout. There is no collective
resource place that has ongoingup to date, easily accessible
(23:36):
resource and content. And wewanted that website tied to this
podcast, so that we can directfolks over and they're able to
look and obtain and see butwe're also able to use and
engage in meaningful ways withthem collect information that
would really help drive thedecisions of our partners and
(23:58):
our stakeholders and our fundersabout the decisions they make
when setting up fundingopportunities or supporting
different projects and programsthroughout the tribal nations.
And it's an amazing opportunityto be able to have your voice
heard your story told yourinformation, really used in
(24:18):
meaningful ways that will helpyou your families, your
communities, and our people[flute music]
So mother sing me a song thatwill ease my pain, mend broken
bones, bring wholeness again.
Catch my babies when they areborn. sing my song, teach me how
to mourn. Show me the medicineof the healing herbs, the value
(24:42):
of spirit, the way I can serve.
Mother heal my heart so that Ican see the gifts of yours that
can live through me.
Join us next month for episodeare two of Black Feathers
podcast. We will be discussingthe concepts of mental health,
(25:05):
mental wellness and mentalillness. So Black Feathers
podcast is a podcast that willoccur on a monthly basis. We
hope that you will listensubscribe and follow us on
social media. Thank you toCherokee National Treasure Tommy
Wildcat for the use of yourflute music on this podcast.
Shauna Humphreys (25:23):
I want to thank Lucas Fraiser and tha boyz
for letting us use theirdrumming music. Please subscribe
to Black Feathers podcast. Youcan find us wherever podcasts
are found.
Crystal Hernandez (25:32):
We would love to hear from you and invite you
to submit your stories andquestions. Until next time.
Shauna Humphreys (25:38):
Thank you for joining us on this month's
journey. Remember, none of uswalk this alone. Together. We
are stronger and it is the rootsthat bind us. Follow us on
blackfeathers.org
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