The
Medicine Wheel and 12 Step program was developed
to provide a culturally appropriate 12 Step program
for Native American people. This program was
developed by White Bison, based upon Teachings
of the Medicine Wheel, the Cycle of Life and
the Four Laws of Change. The program includes
workbooks and videos: 9 videos for women and
the 7 videos for men.
Requirements
for Certification as a Firestarter
Medicine Wheel and 12 Step Programs are facilitated
by Firestarters who have gone through the Firestarter
Certification phases offered through White Bison.
This program focuses on the processes for helping
others work through the Medicine Wheel and 12
Steps using the videos, workbook and syllabus.
If you fit the criteria below, and you wish to
lead others in small groups as they work through
the curriculum, then please complete the application
which is located at the White Bison website (ww.whitebison.org)
under the Wellbriety Movement button. There are
several criteria that must be met in order for
an individual to qualify for Firestarter Training:
Criteria for Firestarters:
• Has experience in recovery (Al-Anon, AA, Gamblers Anonymous, NA).
• Has demonstrated recovery leadership in their own community.
• Is personally familiar with the 12 Steps
• Is willing to work on themselves emotionally, mentally, physically, and
spiritually.
• Is willing to make a 4 year commitment to facilitate the trainings
• Is willing to complete the five steps of the certification process.
How
the Process Works
The Medicine Wheel and 12 Step program is designed in a series of modules that
enable people to meet their individual needs. Participants watch a video that
explains Medicine Wheel teachings and apply them to their lives. In addition,
participants share their insights and experiences in a talking circle. They
also learn how to mind map their own innate knowledge around these teachings
and then apply that knowledge to their daily lives and decision making processes.
For those working through the program in a group setting (i.e. Circles of Recovery)
very strong social and emotional bonds are created that help the individuals
who participate to develop trust, autonomy, and other healthy feelings and
thought patterns that will help them to grow emotionally, mentally, physically,
and spiritually. The five phases of the Certification process include:
Phase 1: Complete application and attend the 3 day training (receive a certificate
of attendance).
Phase 2: Firestarter Level 1--Personally make the journey through the MW12
Steps
Phase 3: Firestarter Level 2--After completing Phase 2 and successfully facilitating
one group
Phase 4: Firestarter Level 3--Facilitate MW 12 Steps for 4 small groups
Phase 5: Participants receive a Master Firestarter Certification upon successful
facilitation of 3 day train-the-trainer version of the Medicine Wheel and 12
Steps along with a WBI Master facilitator. There is the option to have your
name posted on the website at each level.
The
12 Steps around the Medicine Wheel
The focus of the program is on character and values. Thus each of the 12 Steps
is presented from the perspective of the value that it reflects.
 Step
1: Honesty
Step 2: Hope
Step 3: Faith
Step 4: Courage
Step 5: Integrity
Step 6: Willingness
Step 7: Humility
Step 8: Forgiveness
Step 9: Justice
Step 10: Perseverance
Step 11: Spiritual Awakening
Step 12: Service
How
the Program is Implemented
Depending upon the community, the culture, or the group, various additional
experiences are added. Drum groups, sweat lodges, singing, learning traditional
dances, learning traditional language and listening to local Elders are sometimes
a part of the Medicine Wheel and 12 Step program. The framework allows for
the program to be adapted to fit the cultural and spiritual preferences of
the people who are participating. Also, materials are designed for men and
women to work through their own issues, including co-dependency, friends and
family members of alcoholics, adult children of alcoholics, recovery from sexual
abuse, gambling and other addictions. This program can also provide support
and direction for those recovering from mental disorders that co-occur with
addictions.
Teachings
of the Medicine Wheel
s: The Medicine Wheel is an ancient method for teaching important concepts
about truth and life. Many Native American communities use a Medicine Wheel,
although the colors and the symbols are different depending upon the culture.
The purpose is the same in each culture. These teachings, when applied to one’s
life, have the power to influence significant change in attitudes, behaviors,
values and intent.
The Elders have shared a series of Teachings based upon the Natural Order of
the way things should be. These are sometimes referred to as the “original
instructions.” These important Teachings are included in the Medicine
Wheel and 12 Steps:
• Four Seasons of Change
• Four Laws of Change
• Four Directions of Growth
• Ten Teachings for Leadership
• Twelve Principles for Healthy Living
• Reclaiming our Power
• The 12 Steps of Recovery
• Nature’s Way: Principles, Laws and Values Cycle of Life
• Eight Feelings for Healthy Development Comfort Zones
• The Two Thought System: Love and Fear
• The Medicine Wheel
• The Laws of the Unseen World
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