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Focusing on cultural recovery, renewal and preservation is the at the center of Thundermaker. Our mission is to create programs and networks that will provide knowledge, community, and first hand experience to Native people who are on the journey to reconnection and healing while ensuring our identity is passed on to future generations. These programs include projects around behavioral health, drug and alcohol addiction, physical wellness, mental health and community building. Here are some of our projects:

  • COVID-19 Legacy Program - Due to the massive impacts of COVID-19 in 2020 for the Navajo Nation, Thundermaker Cultural Recovery stopped all plans and engaged in emergency fundraising to be able to provide much needed supplies for the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Reservation.

  • Cultural Ceremony Program- Thundermaker Cultural Recovery provides a 4-day cultural event that uses cultural teachings and practices for Native American tribal communities.

  • Cultural Preservation Program- We have partnered with many addiction recovery centers in the state of Arizona to provide culturally inspired behavioral services. The centers we have partnered with include Thundermaker Wellness Center, Hope and Healing, Shamrock Recovery, the Royal Life Center, and as well as provided static community ceremonies for people in out-patient recovery.

Renewing Cultural Identity:

Cultural renewal refers to the process of revitalizing and reinvigorating cultural practices, traditions, and values that may have been diminished or lost over time. Since colonization Native people have experienced loss of culture, language, belief, customs, and various spiritual practices. Studies have shown that typically Native people think about loss of culture daily. These thoughts can lead to higher rates of depression, hopelessness, suicide, substance abuse, alcoholism and other destructive behaviors.

Having a sense of cultural identity combats this and helps individuals and communities who are culturally praticing navigate challenges and adversity better than those who don’t, drawing strength from shared values and traditions.