Enduring hardships, generations of struggle and flights of survival are stories of our ancestors that live inside us. Join ArtReach, UMN Extension and Dr. Jessica Gourneaufor a discussion of mental illness from a historical and intergenerational perspective. Dr. Gourneau will present hope for trauma by discussing the impact of traditional mental health care practices based on sickness, how this paradigm needs to shift to effectively provide wellness, and a path that builds resiliency and promotes healing by embracing cultural values. She encourages people, “When you think about healing, do not underestimate your ability to be an agent of change.”

This event is free, but registration is required.

Jessica Gourneau, Ph.D., LP is a licensed psychologist, Clinical Director at the Native American Family Center, member of the Board of Psychology, and tribal member of the Turtle Mountain band of Chippewa.

This event is offered as part of ArtReach St. Croix’s NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley. We encourage you to join your St. Croix Valley neighbors in reading THE LATEHOMECOMER by Kao Kalia Yang. In June 2021, we will celebrate the arts with activities related to themes found in the book. More information is available at https://www.ArtReachStCroix.org/BigRead. See www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/nea-big-read/latehomecomerfor reader resources and discussion questions.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Marine Mills Folk School, Twin Cities PBS (TPT), Stillwater Public library and otherlibrary branches located between St. Croix Falls, WI, and Hastings, MN.