About Thundermaker & Our Commitment to Native Wellness

“Indigenous communities were deeply rooted in values of interconnectedness, belonging, and shared responsibility. Life revolved around the concept of the “circle,” where every member-young or old—had an essential role in maintaining harmony and balance.

Families lived collectively, often extending beyond blood relations to include the entire community as a larger family. Elders were revered as knowledge keepers and guides, while youth were nurtured with the understanding that they were the future caretakers of the community. Work, play, ceremony, and storytelling were woven together, creating a sense of purpose and unity. 

Food, much like every other aspect of life, was a communal endeavor. Harvesting, hunting, and gathering were done collectively, with resources shared equitably to ensure no one went without. Meals were more than sustenance, they were sacred acts that reinforced gratitude, tradition, and connection to the earth. Healing was similarly communal. When someone was unwell, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, the entire community contributed to their recovery through ceremonies, prayers, and acts of care. 

Our program is not just a facility; it is a modern reflection of those values that sustained Indigenous communities for generations.

In creating our wellness center for substance use and mental health issues, we are reviving this traditional way of life. Here, every client becomes a vital part of a larger circle. They are embraced and connected by a shared journey toward healing and growth. 

Much like the traditional community, our center provides holistic care, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Elders and cultural practitioners guide the way, offering wisdom and traditional practices. Shared meals, prepared with Indigenous foods and ingredients, are opportunities to reconnect with heritage while nourishing both body and spirit. The land itself becomes part of the healing process, reminding us of our place in the greater circle of life. 

At Thundermaker, we are in the business of creating leaders. We provide the space for each relative to become an example of intergenerational knowledge and wisdom.

By fostering this sense of belonging, we are not merely addressing individual challenges but rebuilding the foundation of community strength. In this space, clients can shed the burdens of isolation and rediscover their purpose as interconnected members of a greater whole. Just as our ancestors once did, we are creating a circle where healing, support, and belonging thrive, ensuring that no one walks their journey alone.”

-Thundermaker Team

See how this shows up day to day in our Cultural and Traditional Program and addiction treatment services, meet the team, and read about our founders Hunter Thundercloud and Arrow Funmaker. If you are wondering about cost, IHS PRC may pay for care.