In writing about the Circle of Courage, Martin Brokenleg and his co-authors brought together different professions, racial backgrounds, and upbringing (Brendtro, Brokenleg, & Van Bockern, 2002). While the Circle of Courage philosophy transcends culture, they initially used Native American images and stories to express these ideas. Because…

Children have innate brain programs for building personal strengths and social bonds, but conflict and trauma can jeopardize their growth potentials. Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) provides specific tools to turn problems into potentials. Life Space Crisis Intervention provides advanced therapeutic strategies for building strengths in…

The most often repeated phrase in Lakota ceremonies and life is "Mitakuye Owas'in" Literally translated as "My relatives, you-all [are]" This is mostly glossed into English as "all my relations." This naturally raises the question of to whom this is said. The answer is: to all things. To humans and to other…

One of the biggest challenges facing Aboriginal populations increasingly is being called "intergenerational trauma." Restoring the cultural heritage is a central theme in the book, "Reclaiming Youth at Risk." That work describes the Circle of Courage model for positive development which blends Native child and youth care philosophy with research…

The author reflects on the history of the Circle of Courage model in creating resilient children in a world where virtually all young people can be considered to be at risk. The author stresses that those people in the Reclaiming Youth movement are in the business of humanizing youth work and childcare. They continue to call adults back to the…

The Circle of Courage[TM] philosophy emerged from research on how Native American cultures reared respectful, responsible children without resorting to coercive discipline. It was first presented at international conferences of the Child Welfare League of America in Washington, DC, and the Trieschman Center in Boston. The model entered the…

Children are not born responsible but must learn this from persons with greater maturity and wisdom. Unfortunately, contemporary culture is one in which many adults and youth are blatantly disrespectful toward one another. Disrespect toward children is so commonplace. As such, large numbers of youth are disconnected from adults. In this article,…

The Circle of Courage identifies four universal needs of all children: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. When these needs are met, children grow and thrive. But when these growth needs are frustrated, multiple problems follow. The Circle of Courage defines problems of youth in terms of strengths and developmental needs. These…

The Circle of Courage is a holistic approach to reclaiming youth, which is grounded in resilience science and in values of deep respect for the dignity of children and youth. This article identifies the core assumptions of the Circle of Courage model and its research foundation in positive youth development. In order to thrive, all children need…

Demographic changes in population continue to bring children of different cultural backgrounds to classrooms. This article provides suggestions teachers and counselors can use to bridge cultures. Using the parable of a medicine tree, it explains how no society can endure without caring for its young. (Author/JDM)

This is the last in a series of articles on the four elements of the Circle of Courage. Traditional Native American child development practices have created environments of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Discusses the theme of generosity from a Native American perspective. (Author/GCP)

Presents second in a four-part series on the universal needs for belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity in all children and youth. Focuses on an important concern shared in all cultures: the development of mastery and competence in children. Presents information on tribal concepts of achievement that are now being validated by…

Introduces the conceptual background of a model of youth development that utilizes the principles of the Native-American Circle of Courage. Discusses the four principles of the Circle of Courage: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Discusses the development of the model and the life of the artist who developed that artwork for the…

Uses a case study to demonstrate the effects of cultural conflict, alienation, anomie, and contemporary urban society on the lives of troubled Native American youth. Shows that by teaching traditional Native American values, such as visions of hope and independence, society can help these youth enjoy a promising future. (RJM)