Daughters & Sons of Tradition: Pictured here are the HIR Wellness Institute Daughters & Sons of Tradition all Indigenous leadership youth groups attending the United Nations Headquarters press briefing with Mrs. Brenda Reynolds (social worker from Canada, member of the Fishing Lake First Nation, and 2025 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize awardee), Mirian Masaquiza Jerez (Social Affairs Officer at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs) and Lea S. Denny (CEO & Founder of the HIR Wellness Institute).

HIR Wellness Institute

The mission of the Healing Intergenerational Roots (HIR) Wellness Institute is to provide free and accessible mental health care, wellnes services, and victim advocacy for indigenous and under-served survivors of violence in Milwaukee. They specialize in trauma recovery, and post-traumatic growth for individuals and families affected by sexual assault, domestic and intimate partner violence, human trafficking, loss by suicide and homicide, and community violence.

“With generous support from the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, 2025 was filled with meaningful intergenerational programming. Native Elders participated in weekly therapeutic book circles featuring Indigenous authors to strengthen cultural connection and healing. Youth in the Story Menders Role-Playing Group used storytelling and word-building to cultivate self-esteem, coping skills, and wellness. Our Daughters and Sons of Tradition leadership groups traveled to the United Nations in New York City to elevate Native youth mental health priorities and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.”

Jamie Kellicutt,
HIR Chief Financial & Outreach Officer