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ATTENDANCE POLICY

Learners who complete this 2-hour course will receive a certificate of completion from the Academy.

DESCRIPTION

Indigenous communities of the Americas utilize song in every aspect of life; it is one of the most important forms of expression, celebration, and gratitude. Through deep resonant throat and chest vibrations and repetition of open vowels, Native American songs calm the brain’s emotional threat center, lowering stress hormones and halting overthinking. The precise breath control naturally slows the heart rate and triggers a deep relaxation response.

Throughout generations, song continues to be an accessible tool for healing, grieving, remembering, and expressing joy. Songs can be adapted to manifest changes in thoughts, emotions, words, and actions. Cultural songs communicate knowledge and history as a catalyst for healing.

In this two-hour workshop, participants will witness and explore singing as a form of expression, connection and self-care. Through vocal toning, individuals and groups can attune to others, while supporting their ability to ground and center.  Participants will experience songs as nervous system-centering tools and as affirmations that can impact our outlook on love, reciprocity, and gratitude.

Learners will be guided in practices of vocal toning to cultivate confidence in one's own voice, and will leave with tools to continue toning and song practice as a form of expression and emotional processing.

No prior experience is needed. All are welcome to help co-create an environment free of judgment or stigma, where we can increase individual and group comfort with vocal expression. We invite learners to discover how song can increase a sense of belonging, safety, and community.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

In a welcoming environment, songs will be demonstrated, practiced, and discussed together.  We ask participants to join this session on-camera as a way to be present with each other.

Participants will be muted as the facilitator models vocal exercises. You will then be invited to try them yourself. Using our voices in this way can sometimes feel intimidating; every voice is welcome just as it is. We invite you to join from a private, quiet space, and to try as many exercises are you are able to, allowing yourself to directly experience the sensations and thoughts that arise during song. Before closing, participants will learn a gratitude song for collective expression and connection.

Participants will also be introduced to the facilitator’s Indigenous background and journey around singing, and will be provided with an overview of Native American cultural traditions of this region.

You will be guided to explore your own cultural traditions of songs that express grief, love, history, and gratitude, while sharing and planning with each other how to increase song practices in your life.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Academy courses are open to non-profit care providers who deliver social services or behavioral health care in New York City.  

This includes, but is not limited to, staff of: community-based organizations, government agencies, and public hospitals, along with members of mutual aid groups, community gardens, NYCHA resident committees, and more.

This course is led by Munay Wasi, who extend a special invitation to New York City non-profit care providers serving immigrant and Indigenous populations and bilingual service providers.

 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Munay Wasi was founded by Gustavo Fernandez and Natalia Gianella to provide a space for Native American (Southern, Central, and North American) Indigenous knowledge to be preserved and shared. Focusing on Indigenous ways of life, Munay Wasi centers intergenerational learning through ceremonial practice, arts, herbal medicine, and Indigenous food cultivation and preparation to foster healing in community and restore our collective connection to nature. Their work honors the earth based spiritual traditions of Native Americans while honoring the ancestry and traditions of all cultures.