GONA

Gathering Of Native Americans

The GONA curriculum was originally intended to provide culturally specific substance abuse prevention training in Native American communities. Community healing from historical and cultural trauma is a central theme of the GONA approach. This includes an understanding and healing of self, family, and community.

The curriculum focuses not only on alcohol and substance abuse, but the many underlying issues that may lead to individuals, families, and communities becoming at risk for addictions and self-destructive behaviors.

The four themes of the curriculum reflect the four levels of life's teachings: they are Belonging, Mastery, Interdependence, and Generosity.  By following the life stages of personal development, the GONA curriculum provides a structure for Native American communities to learn how to address what it means to heal from the effects of historical trauma, alcohol and substance abuse by developing community response plans and strategies.