Restoring the Sacred Circle

Have We Lost Our Sacredness? Restoring the Sacred Circle Toolkit is a powerful and culturally grounded resource that promotes healthy sexual development across the life course while addressing the prevention of problematic sexual behavior (PSB) among youth. Rooted in Indigenous teachings, collective healing, and community wisdom, this toolkit invites readers to reconnect with the sacredness of relationships, responsibility, and protection of future generations. Beginning with teachings and collective wisdom shared by elders, the toolkit explores the historical and ongoing impacts of adversity, trauma, abuse, and systemic disruption within American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Through stories, teachings, and practical guidance, readers gain a deeper understanding of the continuum of sexual behavior, including the differences between typical, concerning, and problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth. Central themes throughout this resource include healing from shame and abuse, reclaiming traditional teachings about sexuality and relationships, and strengthening families and communities through prevention and cultural connection. The toolkit also provides practical tools and strategies for communities, programs, schools, parents, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, multidisciplinary teams, and youth-serving systems. Examples from Tribal and community settings are included alongside policies, data collection strategies, referral systems, and community-based prevention efforts. The final section offers stories, activities, podcasts, strategic teachings, and additional resources that readers can use to support prevention, healing, and education in their own communities. Resources for "keeping the center sacred" encourage readers from all walks of life to understand the importance of collective healing and trauma prevention across generations. This essential resource: Increases understanding of research related to problematic sexual behavior (PSB) Educates readers about risk and protective factors associated with PSB Shares culturally grounded strategies and Tribal knowledge to support prevention and healing Outlines systems, referral pathways, and jurisdictional considerations related to PSB Provides examples of local laws, policies, and community responses Dispels myths and misconceptions while addressing stigma, shame, and bias Supports schools, programs, law enforcement, caregivers, multidisciplinary teams, and two-spirit and trans youth with practical resources, factsheets, and protocols Restoring the Sacred Circle Toolkit is a compassionate, educational, and action-oriented guide for anyone committed to protecting children, strengthening families, restoring balance, and promoting healing for the next seven generations.