The Uncle Project is a violence prevention focused on engaging men and youth rooted in our traditional role as an uncle. The project started out with a bunch of men from across the country having conversations about what is normal and what are common connections for us native men from different tribes and villages across the country. When we look back in history across all Native American traditions everyone had a responsibility and an obligation in the community, each one valued and respected and held in equal regard. When discussing roles of men and women, we find that all tribes and native villages had several roles for men and women that were universal. The two biggest are that all men had roles are fire keepers and all women had role as water keepers and all women had roles as aunts and all men had roles of uncles in family and community.
For this project we uncles need to be more than a comforting voice or stern guider. This project is focused on violence prevention and healthy relationships and for this we are not naturally prepared to do. It takes reflection of self to understand where you need to grow and change. It takes education and ongoing effort for self-improvement and supporting those around you. It takes courage in stepping up in community, to show-up to events and support local efforts. Finally, you will reach a point where you are passing along what you know to others as a mentor or educator.
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