In an effort to bring awareness of the prevention of
child abuse in the Cherokee Nation, a tree in front of the tribal complex has
been adorned with blue ribbons. This is in conjunction with the Oklahoma State
Department of Health to build a "Blue Ribbon Tree" state.
Cherokee Nation’s blue ribbon tree will blossom
throughout the month of April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The blue ribbon is the international symbol for child abuse prevention and
serves as a constant reminder that all of us have a responsibility to help protect
children. This year hundreds of organizations and communities are expected to
support the “Blue Ribbon Tree” mission across the state.
It is the first year for the Cherokee Nation to
participate in the statewide education awareness effort, and our participation is
being spearheaded by the Cherokee PARENTS (Positive and Rewarding Educational
Nurturing Tribal Services) program. It is a grant-funded program within the
tribe’s Human Services division that helps with in-home training for Cherokee
parents in order to provide a safe and nurturing home environment.
Our efforts are to keep Cherokee homes safe so that children
are not thrust into the foster care system.
If we can train and educate families about how to safely care for their
children, then we can help ensure families stay together. No one is born
knowing how to care for children, and sometimes mistakes are made. But as a
parent, relative or even a care provider, we can all learn the skills to make a
positive and lifelong difference.
All of us need to work together to stop child abuse
because no one ever wants to see a child grow up in fear or neglected. That
means state and tribal governments working in tandem to preserve the innocence
of our vulnerable citizens. It’s our moral obligation to protect children from
abuse and our responsibility as leaders and adults to make sure no child is
threatened by violence or assault.
If you are at the tribal complex during the month of
April, I encourage you to get a ribbon at Cherokee First and tie it to our blue
ribbon tree to amplify our message about protecting Cherokee children.
Additionally, on April 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30
p.m. at Norris Park in Tahlequah, our Cherokee PARENTS organization is
hosting a community picnic aimed to raise public awareness about child abuse
prevention. Dinner will be provided as well as activities for children,
including games and art.
For more information about Cherokee PARENTS or how
you can help, contact program coordinator Amy Thilges at 918-453-5078.
Wado,
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