Healing Through Culture and Art: A Process of Self-Care
by Suzanne L. Cross, PhD, LMSW, ACSW, LLC
Self-care is defined by each professional’s personality, experiences, culture, and ways of healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, the cultural teachings I learned in my youth have sustained me through challenging times. In all tribal nations, cultures’ spirituality and healing align and influence the creation of art.
In my youth, I learned from the elders at what I have termed the "learning table" (Cross, 2004). The elders shared the significance of the history, colors, designs, and efficacy of each piece. They emphasized the implication of beginning art work “in a good way,” which meant with a positive cultural and spiritual attitude. However, if you were experiencing emotional and/or physical pain, you were welcomed and encouraged to work on a piece to improve your body, mind, and spirit. Discussions of concerns in regard to tribal affairs, family issues, and cultural teachings were shared at the learning table. My beadwork improved over time and became more complex, meaningful, and advanced. The elders acknowledged the improvement in my work and awaited my next accomplishments.
I often recall their stories, concerns, and the humor they engaged in to lighten serious discussions. In my adulthood, the elders shared their endurance of hardships, as well as the importance of strength, courage, and care of others. Now, when I engage in beadwork and shawl making, I feel connected to all of the elders who have "walked on" (died). I remember their conversations at the learning table and the elders’ strength and power, which gives me a sense of renewal. I have learned from the elders the value of sharing skills, culture, humor, and peace. As an adult, my beadwork brings me serene and reflective moments to treasure.
Today, the memories and emotions are shared with others through my art work. For example, I have created thirteen shawls for the Healing through Culture and Art Shawl Collection for American Indian Women, which was designed as a catalyst to emphasize and increase awareness of cardiac health. I am hopeful that this collection will inform, support, and encourage mindfulness of self-care. The collection provides an opportunity to highlight the frequency of cardiovascular diseases of women and the differences in the symptomology of females from those experienced by males, and include cultural aspects that may not be encompassed in other heart awareness campaigns.
The collection is also important to me as an American Indian woman who was not having success with pain medication or bed rest. Therefore, during my surgical healing process, I decided to create pieces that were aesthetically pleasing and meaningful in hopes of positively inspiring others. This was and continues to be a wonderful healing experience.
In the past, I would reflect on why the Creator allowed me to live during the experiences with heart disease (heart attack/surgery). In the present, I have come to the conclusion that the Creator has more for me to do. Now, each time something positive happens, I think to myself, “Ahh, this is why I am here!”
Reference
Cross, S. (2004). In honor of the lessons of the elders. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping 10 (2), 26-34).
Suzanne L. Cross, MSW, LMSW, ACSW, Ph.D, is an Associate Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University-School of Social Work. She is a citizen of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan. Her research includes Indian child welfare, historical trauma, student recruitment and retention, and the impact of culture on the experience of physical pain within the American Indian population. She has presented on heart disease and the value of culture in raising awareness in Tribal Nation communities.
She has served on the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Directors (2006-2008), was the recipient of a CSWE Sr. Scholar Award (2007-2008) to research The Status of American Indians in Social Work Higher Education, and chaired the CSWE Native American Task Force for three years. She received the Mit Joyner Gerontology Award 2012 from the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors for her work with American Indian Elders. She continues to work with several Tribal Nations and is a Board Member of the Ziibiwing Culture Center.
Dr. Cross is a traditional dancer, as well as a beadwork and shawl artisan. Her Gift of Another Day for Ovarian Cancer Awareness collection was exhibited at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Michigan Hospital. The Healing through Culture and Art Heart Disease Awareness Shawl Collection was on exhibit at the Ziibwing Culture Center in 2015, and exhibited at the University of Michigan Hospital from December 19, 2016 through March 19, 2017. On a personal note, she and her husband (James) have been foster parents for American Indian children.