The PC CARES-Michigan (MI) project kick-off meeting brought together thirteen staff and community members from four tribal communities: Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Gun Lake Tribe, and Bay Mills Indian Community, for a 1.5-day gathering focused on relationship-building, shared learning, and planning.
The first day emphasized connection and developing a common understanding of community priorities through interactive activities that identified community needs and hopes, offered a brief overview of PC CARES, and additional details about the role of the steering committee. We ended the first day by having attendees participate in Learning Circle 2: Support for Youth. The second day shifted toward looking ahead, with focused discussions on collaboration, review of the evaluation plan, and exploration of how PC CARES could be implemented within each community context.
Overall, participants expressed an appreciation for the opportunity to reflect and plan together, and establish a collective plan to move forward. The group will be engaging in the remaining Learning Circles and identifying areas where adaptation may be needed to ensure cultural and community relevance. The 2-year project will bring PC CARES to the partner communities, and support efforts to implement.