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Welcome to the Black Feathers Podcast!
What is the Black Feathers Podcast?
In this podcast, co-hosts Crystal Hernandez, Psy.D., MBA, and Shauna Humphries, MS, LPC, will discuss disability-related topics of interest to Tribal communities through data, storytelling, and innovative content. With this podcast, we embrace diversity, equity, and honor within our vast Tribal Nations. We will also be providing additional resources related to these topics to our audience and welcome everyone to join the conversation.
The Origin of the Black Feathers Podcast
In 2019, the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Project of National Significance asked to partner with a vast array of Tribal members to understand the journey of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families within the Tribal Nations. The genesis of Black Feathers emerged from these conversations.
Why Black Feathers?
In some Tribes, the black feather is a symbol that represents not being alone on your life’s journey and walking together without fear. To honor our Tribal roots, we have chosen the black feathers and symbol for unity as the main symbols for our podcast. These two symbols used together represent standing forward as one community, advocating for and supporting each other. The turquoise represents harmony and the red warrior. We will walk this journey with our listeners, reflecting on the vast beauty of human existence with our brothers and sisters, leaning in and standing firm.
Co-Hosts
Crystal Hernanadez, Psy.D., MBA
Dr. Crystal Hernandez is a proud Cherokee, psychologist, inpatient psychiatric hospital administrator for the State of Oklahoma, Tribal disabilities expert, researcher, and autism mother. She serves the DEI Officer for the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She believes in service to others and works relentlessly to improve clinical treatments, diagnosis, and equitable access to care for all. Culturally rooted supports and services are central to Dr. Hernandez and she embeds this principle in every aspect of her life.
Podcast Resources | Mental Health & Substance Abuse
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) | Tribal Affairs
- Mental Health America | Native and Indigenous Communities and Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Health | Indigenous
- Suicide Prevention Resources Center
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Disability Resource
- The Native American Disability Law Center
- Indian Health Service | Indian Children’s Program
- Autism Foundation in Oklahoma | Autism in Indian Country
- Pervasive Parenting Center – Eastern Oklahoma
- Increasing Diagnostic Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Native American Community: A Pilot Collaborative Telecare Model
- It’s Autism Awareness Month: Native inclusion is critical by Crystal Hernandez
Federal Resources and Reports
- CMS.GOV | American Indian and Alaska Native Age and Disability
- United States Census Bureau | Childhood Disability in the United States 2019
- National Congress of American Indians | Disabilities
- Indian Health Service – The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
- Mental and Behavioral Health – American Indians/Alaska Natives
Education Resources
