Native men suffer disproportionately from alcoholism, drug addiction, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and childhood sexual abuse. Unfortunately, these afflictions affect one’s ability to find employment and keep it. Native men have difficulty financially supporting their families and all too often die early because of these afflictions, leaving behind their wives and children. Meth abuse is on the rise on reservations and there are few resources to address these health and social issues. If Native Men make it through the myriad of obstacles that keep them from educational and employment opportunities they are still faced with centuries old hurdles of racism and cultural denigration. Problems cause despair, despair causes hopelessness.
Native men are virtually an untapped resource in our communities and we believe that Native men can (if provided the opportunity) and will contribute significantly not only to Native families/communities but to the survival and well-being of future generations. We at Wiconi will never claim to be able to address all of the many social and economic ills that afflict Native communities but we understand from personal experience that spiritual development and spiritual health lead to healing and hope. We believe that through our Men’s Programs we will be able to empower Native men to face the obstacles before them and deal with them one step at a time.
We purpose to bring the language of hope and the spiritual medicine of everlasting life to Native/Indigenous men. We desire to see these men fulfill their God-given destiny as the Host People in their respective lands and to embrace a healthier spiritual foundation which will lead to a healthier life. It is our hope to introduce our Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ, to Native men and allow them to explore without condemnation or fear, a living gospel replete with promise. We envision Native/Indigenous men who will step forward after recovery to provide economically for their families and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.
—Wiconi Men’s Programs
- To reach out to incarcerated Native/Indigenous men prior to reentry back to our communities.
- To provide viable resources to address health and emotional concerns.
- To educate Native men about employment and other work opportunities through a
volunteer training program to provide practical experience and training.
- To encourage Native/Indigenous men’s fellowships, bringing together networks of Native and non-Native men to learn about Christ-centered culturally appropriate styles of ministry.
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