Culturally responsive support for troubled youth
Located on the beautiful and serene Christie Campus, the Cedar Bough Native American Program provides holistic care for youth and their families, using cultural and spiritual activities to help restore balance between mind and body. Native American traditions and rituals are entwined in every activity throughout the day.
Youth learn to participate in talking and drumming circles. Regular sweat lodge experiences help children understand cultural and traditional practices. Each day ends with smudging. Youth who complete the Cedar Bough program participate in a hawk feather ceremony in which the youth adds his feather to a staff that includes feathers from other young people who have successfully rejoined their families and the community.
Youth in the Cedar Bough Program regularly participate in therapeutic, recreational and Native American activities on the Clackamas River Campus, as well.
Who does the program help?
Native American and other youth ages 11-17 whose challenges include:
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Chronic post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
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History of suicidal threats and/or attempts
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Substance use/abuse
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Multiple foster placements
- Developmental disorders (including fetal alcohol affected)
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Aggressive and destructive behavior
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Autism spectrum disorders
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Involvement in the juvenile justice system
Program includes:
- Alcohol and drug assessment, education and treatment – Native American Rehabilitation
- Association of the Northwest
- Educational assessment, individual education plans, balanced school year with full school day at the campus incorporating Native American history, tradition (Cedar Bough School, Clackamas Educational Service District)
- Challenge ropes course
- Outdoor and indoor recreation areas
- Cultural and traditional best practices: sweats, smudging, drumming, elder visits, dancing and regalia making, cultural arts and crafts, Sons and Daughters of Tradition–White Bison, participation in powwows and seasonal gatherings
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy at Butte Creek Ranch (EAGALA model)
- Family therapy and resources
- Mental health assessment and treatment
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Support for a successful discharge: Youth Villages-ChristieCare of Oregon’s Intercept™ intensive in-home program is available in a growing number of locations to support families and help ensure continued success for the youth at home, in school and in the community.
Contact information
Phone: 503-675-2238
Fax: 503-636-5310