The Warrior Down Reentry Project is a strength based, Native American approach to recovery, wellness, relapse and recidivism prevention. Just as recovery is not just staying sober, reentry is not just getting out of prison. It is a way of experiencing life through new eyes, new thoughts, and a new spirit. Re-establishing one’s life following incarceration requires a family and community effort. Without the emotional and social support of a family and community, many who try to return to healthy, productive lives find themselves frustrated by the need for employment, training, education, housing, transportation, mental health care or medical support, social services, spiritual and cultural support or connections with others who value sobriety and healthy life ways. Cultural and spiritual support is critical in the recovery and reentry journey for Native Americans.
In a report commissioned by the Montana Department of Corrections, individual recidivism was connected to the lack of adequate support systems and a continuum of care following release (Hollist, et al, 2004). The Warrior Down Reentry Project provides this system of informational, emotional, cultural and affiliate support along with an intense recovery commitment.
Click to read the Statewide Strategy for Reentry in Indian Country.
