Chapter-1-REVISED-7-12-2011

HOCAK KIJIRE NAGU COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION MAY 2011 2 www.strolloarchitects.com 718 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 Tel: (407) 423-5355 report. Strollo Architects greatly appreciates the support of all those involved without whom, this work would not have been possible. The goals of the CMP include a better understanding of the current and future operations, as well as establishing the capacity of the healing programs. The project focuses attention relative to those in need of healing services related to past trauma, substance abuse and mental health concerns. It has determined alternative ways to address these areas of concern within the culture and traditions of the Hocak. This recent examination of the Ho-Chunk Nation Health and Social Service systems focused on the current program components and state of affairs of the operations related to Ho-Chunk agencies and service providers. It also involved value and vision building exercises so that a plan could be put in place to aid in the development of future healing services. These activities included a review of the referral and placement process for adults seeking assistance through the Alcohol and Drug Program Services and Behavioral Health Division of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Health Department. As well, other community resources provided by the Ho-Chunk Nation or local, state or federal sources were appraised. After considering both the strengths and weaknesses of current resources, those resources appropriate for incorporation into the vision for the future were done so with the goal of fully achieving the mission of Kijire Nagu. The CMP should be considered a “roadmap” that the Nation will utilize in developing its healing center program for the near future and for generations to come. As the Ho-Chunk healing programs continue to develop, there must be a constant and an ongoing process of self-evaluation to ensure that the vision and goals established in planning are maintained throughout time. The planning team devoted tremendous effort, knowledge, skill and emotion into this project and their work and vision cannot be forgotten. Future program capacity and alternative ways to providing for those needing treatment and healing will be based primarily on traditional healing elements that the Hocak culture can provide. The primary objectives of the CMP are to establish a course of action and a reasonable plan to accomplish the creation of the program and physical environment comprising Kijire Nagu. Prior to creation of the plan, a Needs Assessment was completed to identify and then analyze the areas of concern (needs) to be addressed through the healing center programs, policies and procedures. The solution to address the needs is then represented in the programs and structural facilities that would be needed to support the healing process. In completing these tasks Strollo Architects focuses on making recommendations that are realistic for the Nation and which provide the most programmatic and cost effective options for their members. In the end, the CMP must serve the Nation in helping the community to better understand the complexities of operating the healing center and health care system and to gain community support to address issues facing members, the community as a whole, and these service systems now and in the future. The CMP was built on a thorough analysis of the current health care system and it will serve as the basis for future actions relative to the Nation’s healing programs. Future program capacity and alternative ways to providing for those needing treatment and healing will be based on traditional healing elements that the Hocak culture provides. It was widely supported to construct, operate and name this place of healing consistent with Ho- Chunk culture and tradition. Therefore, the name for this facility has been determined by the Hocak Traditional Court. In the descriptive Hocak language, Kijire means “To help each other” and Nagu

Chapter-1-REVISED-7-12-2011

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