Prison “Hoop” Powwows - Healing inmates through connection to culture

550 Winslow Way East,Bainbridge Island WA 98110

16 April, 2023

Description

Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe member and Housing Authority Director Kara Wright tells her personal story of using traditional crafts to help inmates at Larch Correctional Center in Southwest Washington with their recovery. What started as a simple request from an imprisoned family member to raise some money to help pay for extra security at a Native Hoop powwow for indigenous imitates turned into a now-years-long partnership with the facility and its native residents. Hear from Kara, inmates, and administrators about how connecting to culture through craft and ceremony can be a powerful tool to keep inmates from reoffending after they’re released. Leading Speaker - Kara Wright Kara Wright is a member of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe member and current Director of their Housing Authority. She has served the tribe locally and nationally and has had leadership roles in Health Services, Children & Family Services, Early Childhood Education, Natural Resources, and more. Additional Speaker- Chaplain Zilvinas Jakstas