Self-Love Through Cultural Connection

Research shows that culture plays a significant role in achieving the positive well-being of First American/Indigenous people. The combination of positive emotions, life satisfaction, and positive functioning are vital in every generation to keep culture alive. Practicing cultural connection interacts deeply with self-love and self-care.

Self-love means having regard for your own happiness and well-being. Self-care involves looking after your physical and mental health. These practices become more meaningful when connected to cultural heritage.

The Power of Cultural Identity

Culture defies simple definition. While debates continue about its exact meaning, researchers have documented its significant impact on both physical and psychological well-being through positive health outcomes – interventions that enhance quality of life.

Research from 2012 revealed First American healers' understanding of medicine through cultural practices. The healers explained that culture through various elements can be:

• Language and traditional communication
• Foods that nourish body and spirit
• Ceremonies that connect past and present
• Traditional values guiding daily life
• Spiritual beliefs providing purpose
• Historical knowledge building identity
• Stories carrying ancestral wisdom
• Songs maintaining oral traditions
• Traditional plants offering natural medicine
• Cultural journeys strengthening community bonds

Through their insight, "connecting Native patients with their Native culture promotes better health outcomes" such as improved physical and mental health metrics. 

Research on Culture

Many studies examine the positive link between cultural practices and good health. A comprehensive 2018 review analyzed 72 studies examining the connection between cultural practices and health.

The team categorized culture into six different categories that impact Indigenous well-being:

• Country and caring for country: A connection to the environment and sense of belonging to the earth. This involves traditional land management practices and a spiritual connection to place.
• Knowledge and beliefs: Ideas about relationships, spirituality, healing and traditional medicines passed down through generations.
• Language: Verbal, written and body language used to communicate cultural knowledge and preserve identity.
• Self-determination: Involvement in decision-making at the individual, family, community and political levels.
• Family and kinship: Being part of and knowing your role and place in the community, understanding relationships and responsibilities.
• Cultural expression: Expressing culture through dance, song, art, ceremony, storytelling, language and food.

This evidence strongly supports culture as medicine, demonstrating the profound connection between Indigenous cultural practices and well-being. So, if there is strong evidence linking cultural expression and good health, how can you take part?

Chickasaw Heritage: A Path to Self-Care and Well-Being

Your Chickasaw heritage extends beyond history and family roots – it offers a pathway to self-care and wellness. Research from 2023 confirms that cultural connections strengthen:

• Higher levels of hope and satisfaction
• Lower levels of depression
• Good physical health

Self-love and self-care form the foundation of well-being. The National Institute of Mental Health defines self-care as "taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health." What is important to remember is that self-care should be specific and meaningful to you, reflecting your personal connection to heritage and tradition.

If cultural connection is good medicine, one might wonder, “What does Chickasaw culture look like?” Below are some simple and practical ways to express Chickasaw culture:

• Speaking (or wishing to learn) the Chickasaw language
• Participating in (or wishing to participate in) cultural events and activities
• Having a desire to know more about Chickasaw history
• Taking part in both the Chickasaw and non-Chickasaw world
• Feeling proud of your Chickasaw heritage

Cultural Connection Resources

Cultural connection strengthens both identity and well-being. Through cultural expression, you engage in meaningful self-care practices that support mental and physical health. This dual benefit makes embracing your heritage a powerful tool for personal growth.

Whether you live within or beyond the Chickasaw Nation, there are many online resources to make cultural connection accessible. These online tools offer ways to learn, engage and connect with Chickasaw culture:

Essential Learning:

• The Chickasaw Dictionary (AChickasawDictionary.com): An excellent guide to Chickasaw words, pronunciations and meanings. This resource helps you learn everyday phrases, traditional terms and proper pronunciation from native speakers.
• Chickasaw Cultural Center website: Offers brief videos on Chickasaw history and culture. These educational materials cover traditional practices, historical events and cultural teachings in engaging formats.
• News and events page: Keeps you updated on upcoming events, cultural gatherings and community news. This resource helps you stay connected with the Chickasaw community and find opportunities for participation.
• Chickasaw Language Basic app and online platform (Anompa.Chickasaw.net): A great way to further your language knowledge through interactive lessons, audio pronunciations and practical exercises.
• Chickasaw.TV: Offers many educational videos on Chickasaw history, culture, language and more. This platform provides in-depth exploration of traditions, stories and contemporary Chickasaw life.
• Chickasaw Kids: Educational and interactive resources designed for young people to learn about their heritage in engaging ways.

The AYA Walk app enhances your cultural connection journey through:

• Language learning tools that teach practical Chickasaw phrases
• Word quiz games making language practice engaging
• Traditional Chickasaw prayers for spiritual connection
• Cultural music celebrating heritage
• Walking partner stories sharing wisdom and inspiration

Each step taken to connect with Chickasaw heritage nurtures self-love and well-being. Begin small, develop meaningful cultural practices and embrace the journey. The AYA app is available for download on iPhone and Android devices as a daily companion for cultural connection.

Anowa chipisala'cho (until we meet again),

- The AYA Walk Team

References

Bassett, D., Tsosie, U., & Nannauck, S. (2012). “Our culture is medicine”: Perspectives of Native Healers on posttrauma recovery among American Indian and Alaska Native patients. The Permanente Journal, 16(1), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/11-123

Bourke, S., Wright, A., Guthrie, J., Russell, L., Dunbar, T., & Lovett, R. (2018). Evidence review of indigenous culture for Health and Wellbeing. The International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society, 8(4), 11–27. https://doi.org/10.18848/2156-8960/cgp/v08i04/11-27 

Lamberski, N. (2022, June 30). Utilizing a theory of change for better health outcomes. Frontiers in veterinary science. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9282891/

Masotti, P., Dennem, J., Bañuelos, K., Seneca, C., Valerio-Leonce, G., Inong, C. T., & King, J. (2023). The culture is prevention project: Measuring Cultural Connectedness and providing evidence that culture is a social determinant of health for Native Americans. BMC Public Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15587-x

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Self-love. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-love

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health. (n.d.). Well-Being Concepts. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/hrqol/wellbeing.htm

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Caring for your mental health. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health