The CTC program integrates Keetoowah–Cherokee values into the intervention and is based on the Cherokee concept of self-reliance. The Keetoowah–Cherokee use self-reliance as part of an overall worldview that all things come together to form a whole….
The Keetoowah–Cherokee believe that self-reliance comes from being three things: responsible, disciplined, and confident. Responsibility means one has a duty to care for oneself and others by getting assistance, respecting oneself, respecting others, and respecting one’s Creator. Being disciplined refers to setting and pursuing goals, taking the initiative to make decisions, and taking risks. Being confident means having a sense of identity and self-worth. Two major cultural themes cut across all three of the categories: 1) being true to oneself and 2) being connected, which means identifying and using the resources found in creation….
The materials required to implement this program are the Cherokee Talking Circle manuals. The manuals are available in English and Cherokee languages.
With regards to training requirements/provider certification, the group leader must identify as Keetoowah–Cherokee, be trained in the Cherokee Talking Circle, and be culturally engaged and involved in the Cherokee community. The leader needs to understand Keetoowah–Cherokee history and traditions and how these can be applied to the treatment of youths with substance use/abuse….
Lowe and colleagues (2012) found that the Cherokee Talking Circle (CTC) program was significantly more effective overall in reducing substance abuse and other related problem behaviors among Native American adolescents, compared with other nonculturally, standard substance abuse education (SE) programs.
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