THE
SANKOFA
INFANT MENTAL HEALTH
HISTORY
PROJECT
TM
Trailer for
Sankofa: Land. Root. Seed. Culture. Community
Sankofa: Land. Root. Seed. Culture. Community
Part 1 of our 4 part series.
Our first film, Sankofa: Land. Root. Seed. Culture. Community., sets the stage for our Sankofa IMH History Project™ and its film series. Featuring interviews with IMH professionals and our project’s Steering Collective, the film explores cultural frameworks and perspectives that challenge and revitalize our understanding of healing and the infant mental health field.
Our first film, Sankofa: Land. Root. Seed. Culture. Community., sets the stage for our Sankofa IMH History Project™ and its film series. Featuring interviews with IMH professionals and our project’s Steering Collective, the film explores cultural frameworks and perspectives that challenge and revitalize our understanding of healing and the infant mental health field.
Sankofa Storytellers
Storyteller
1
Janina E. Fariñas, Ph.D., Psy., LPC
CEO & Founder, La Cocina
Hija de Joaquín Fariñas and Nora Isabel Vanegas. Proud granddaughter of Lola Cordoba and Agustin Vanegas. Latina immigrant from her beloved El Salvador.
Storyteller
1
Janina E. Fariñas, Ph.D., Psy., LPC
CEO & Founder, La Cocina
Hija de Joaquín Fariñas and Nora Isabel Vanegas. Proud granddaughter of Lola Cordoba and Agustin Vanegas. Latina immigrant from her beloved El Salvador.
Storyteller
1
Janina E. Fariñas, Ph.D., Psy., LPC
CEO & Founder, La Cocina
Hija de Joaquín Fariñas and Nora Isabel Vanegas. Proud granddaughter of Lola Cordoba and Agustin Vanegas. Latina immigrant from her beloved El Salvador.
Storyteller
1
Janina E. Fariñas, Ph.D., Psy., LPC
CEO & Founder, La Cocina
Hija de Joaquín Fariñas and Nora Isabel Vanegas. Proud granddaughter of Lola Cordoba and Agustin Vanegas. Latina immigrant from her beloved El Salvador.
Storyteller
2
Marva L. Lewis, Ph.D., IMH-E®
Infant Mental Health Mentor-Research/Faculty; Associate Professor, Tulane University
Proud direct descendent of enslaved Africans who survived chattel slavery in the USA. Daughter of Ward & Martha Lewis of Royal Oak Twp. Michigan, part of the Great Migration from the South.
Storyteller
2
Marva L. Lewis, Ph.D., IMH-E®
Infant Mental Health Mentor-Research/Faculty; Associate Professor, Tulane University
Proud direct descendent of enslaved Africans who survived chattel slavery in the USA. Daughter of Ward & Martha Lewis of Royal Oak Twp. Michigan, part of the Great Migration from the South.
Storyteller
2
Marva L. Lewis, Ph.D., IMH-E®
Infant Mental Health Mentor-Research/Faculty; Associate Professor, Tulane University
Proud direct descendent of enslaved Africans who survived chattel slavery in the USA. Daughter of Ward & Martha Lewis of Royal Oak Twp. Michigan, part of the Great Migration from the South.
Storyteller
2
Marva L. Lewis, Ph.D., IMH-E®
Infant Mental Health Mentor-Research/Faculty; Associate Professor, Tulane University
Proud direct descendent of enslaved Africans who survived chattel slavery in the USA. Daughter of Ward & Martha Lewis of Royal Oak Twp. Michigan, part of the Great Migration from the South.
Storyteller
3
Haruko Watanabe, MA, LMHC, IMH-E®
Clinical Director, Cooper House & Washington State Trainer in Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Descendant of artists, poets and healers and ancestors in Japan. Facilitators of healing-centered practices.
Storyteller
3
Haruko Watanabe, MA, LMHC, IMH-E®
Clinical Director, Cooper House & Washington State Trainer in Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Descendant of artists, poets and healers and ancestors in Japan. Facilitators of healing-centered practices.
Storyteller
3
Haruko Watanabe, MA, LMHC, IMH-E®
Clinical Director, Cooper House & Washington State Trainer in Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Descendant of artists, poets and healers and ancestors in Japan. Facilitators of healing-centered practices.
Storyteller
3
Haruko Watanabe, MA, LMHC, IMH-E®
Clinical Director, Cooper House & Washington State Trainer in Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Descendant of artists, poets and healers and ancestors in Japan. Facilitators of healing-centered practices.
Storyteller
4
Hisako Watanabe, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Life Development Center, Watanabe Clinic, Yokohama, Japan
Carrying a lineage of art, music and literature; seeking to revive a harmony of coexistence with the Mother Nature on this planet.
Storyteller
4
Hisako Watanabe, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Life Development Center, Watanabe Clinic, Yokohama, Japan
Carrying a lineage of art, music and literature; seeking to revive a harmony of coexistence with the Mother Nature on this planet.
Storyteller
4
Hisako Watanabe, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Life Development Center, Watanabe Clinic, Yokohama, Japan
Carrying a lineage of art, music and literature; seeking to revive a harmony of coexistence with the Mother Nature on this planet.
Storyteller
4
Hisako Watanabe, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Life Development Center, Watanabe Clinic, Yokohama, Japan
Carrying a lineage of art, music and literature; seeking to revive a harmony of coexistence with the Mother Nature on this planet.
Storyteller
5
Germán Walteros, LMFT
Latinx Mental Health worker Trabajador de la Salud Mental.
Storyteller
5
Germán Walteros, LMFT
Latinx Mental Health worker Trabajador de la Salud Mental.
Storyteller
5
Germán Walteros, LMFT
Latinx Mental Health worker Trabajador de la Salud Mental.
Storyteller
5
Germán Walteros, LMFT
Latinx Mental Health worker Trabajador de la Salud Mental.
World Premiere
1 film; 4 screenings
TUE
02.10
1:00 PM
ET
10:00 AM
PT
6:00 PM
UTC
Online
TUE
02.10
1:00 PM
ET
10:00 AM
PT
6:00 PM
UTC
Online
TUE
02.10
1:00 PM
ET
10:00 AM
PT
6:00 PM
UTC
Online
WED
02.11
4:00 pm
ET
1:00 PM
PT
9:00 PM
UTC
Online
WED
02.11
4:00 pm
ET
1:00 PM
PT
9:00 PM
UTC
Online
WED
02.11
4:00 pm
ET
1:00 PM
PT
9:00 PM
UTC
Online
THU
02.12
8:00 AM
ET
5:00 AM
PT
1:00 PM
UTC
Online
THU
02.12
8:00 AM
ET
5:00 AM
PT
1:00 PM
UTC
Online
THU
02.12
8:00 AM
ET
5:00 AM
PT
1:00 PM
UTC
Online
FRI
02.13
12:00 PM
ET
9:00 AM
PT
5:00 PM
UTC
Online
FRI
02.13
12:00 PM
ET
9:00 AM
PT
5:00 PM
UTC
Online
World Premiere
1 film; 4 screenings
TUE
02.10
1:00 PM
ET
10:00 AM
PT
6:00 PM
UTC
Online
WED
02.11
4:00 PM
ET
1:00 PM
PT
9:00 PM
UTC
Online
THU
02.12
8:00 AM
ET
5:00 AM
PT
1:00 PM
UTC
Online
TUE
02.13
12:00 PM
ET
9:00 AM
PT
5:00 PM
UTC
Online
The naissance and development of psychiatry between 1650–1850
The naissance and development of psychiatry between 1650–1850
The naissance and development of psychiatry
family studies in the early
family studies
family studies in
between 1650–1850
family studies in the
1900s
in the early1900s
the early 1900s
early 1900s
and pioneering
and
and
and pioneering work in IMH
work in IMH in the 1970’s
pioneering work in
pioneering work in IMH
in the 1970’s
coincided with European and
in the 1970’s
IMH in the 1970’s
coincided with European and United States imperialism and
coincided with European and United States imperialism and
colonization.
colonization.
United States imperialism and colonization.
As language, cultures, and relationships were colonized often to the point of extinction, a knowledge vacuum about relational wellbeing was created.
As language, cultures, and relationships were colonized often to the point of extinction, a knowledge vacuum about relational wellbeing was created.
As language, cultures, and relationships were colonized often to the point of extinction, a knowledge vacuum about relational wellbeing was created.
We are deeply grateful to ancestors who persevered and kept language and knowledge about collective wellbeing alive
We are deeply grateful to ancestors who persevered and kept language and knowledge about collective wellbeing alive through waves
We are deeply grateful to ancestors who persevered and kept language and knowledge about collective wellbeing alive through
through waves of genocide,
of genocide
waves of genocide
, so
, so
so future generations might know, sustain, and pass forward healing practices rooted in abiding, relational principles that enabled cultures and communities to thrive for
future generations might know, sustain, and pass forward healing practices rooted in abiding, relational principles that enabled cultures and communities to
future generations might know, sustain, and pass forward healing practices rooted in abiding, relational principles that enabled cultures and communities
millenia.
thrive for millenia
to thrive for millenia.
Our Roots
Sankofa
Symbol from the Akan people of Ghana, a reminder to retrieve what is important from the past as we move forward into the future. A common interpretation “go back and get it.”
Sankofa
Symbol from the Akan people of Ghana, a reminder to retrieve what is important from the past as we move forward into the future. A common interpretation “go back and get it.”
Manglares (Mangroves)
Significant in stories and traditions of many cultures, manglares share interconnected, interdependent root systems and provide sanctuary, nourishment, and protection for their coastal ecosystems.
Manglares (Mangroves)
Significant in stories and traditions of many cultures, manglares share interconnected, interdependent root systems and provide sanctuary, nourishment, and protection for their coastal ecosystems.
La Cultura Cura
Common Latine framework recognizing that culture - shared identity, traditional healing, and community resilience - is core to individual and collective well-being.
La Cultura Cura
Common Latine framework recognizing that culture - shared identity, traditional healing, and community resilience - is core to individual and collective well-being.
Ubuntu
Term from the Bantu people in South Africa embodying interconnectedness and humanity. For Black people around the world, community and interconnectedness have always has been a vital part of our existence and healing.
Ubuntu
Term from the Bantu people in South Africa embodying interconnectedness and humanity. For Black people around the world, community and interconnectedness have always has been a vital part of our existence and healing.
Amae
Everyday word in Japanese culture that conveys a deep sense of interdependent relationship a person has with others around them.
Amae
Everyday word in Japanese culture that conveys a deep sense of interdependent relationship a person has with others around them.
Etuaptmumk
(two-eyed seeing) Mi'kmaw guiding principle for culturally-inclusive, co-learning journeys to integrate Indigenous and Western knowledge for the benefit of all.
Etuaptmumk
(two-eyed seeing) Mi'kmaw guiding principle for culturally-inclusive, co-learning journeys to integrate Indigenous and Western knowledge for the benefit of all.
Resources
These are just a selection of works we admire that inform and resonate with our practice. We are working to build a wider collection and welcome our community's input. To suggest additions to the resource library, please contact us via email below.
In 2023, Indigo Cultural Center invited four IECMH colleagues to form the inaugural Steering Collective. As co-creators, they continue to advise the design, process, and dissemination phases of the Sankofa IMH History Project™
In 2023, Indigo Cultural Center invited four IECMH colleagues to form the inaugural Steering Collective. As co-creators, they continue to advise the design, process, and dissemination phases of the Sankofa IMH History Project™
Steering Collective giving welcome in various languages
Team welcome in various laguages
0:00/1:34
0:00/1:34
(click on trees)
Steering Collective
Steering Collective
(click on trees)
Natasha Pérez Byars
MS, MSW, LICSW
Daughter of Sylvia and David Byars; descendant of Black and Mexican love and community with roots in The Colony, Alabama and Weslaco, Texas
Indigo Cultural Center Director of Racial Equity Consultation and Training
nucha isarwowong
Ph.D., LICSW, IMH-E®
Descendant of the first peoples of Southeast Asia
Director, Advanced Clinical Training Program Barnard Center for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health University of Washington School of Nursing
Marie-Celeste Condon
MS-ECE, Ph.D
Descendant of Mi’kmaq L’nu, Québécois immigrants, and Irish settlers
Social Justice, Early Relational Health & Reflective Consultation
Eva Marie Shivers
J.D., Ph.D.
Descendant of Dreamers and Enslaved Africans Healer, Pleasure Activist, Portal Weaver, Visionary
Indigo Cultural Center Founding Executive Director
Aditi Subramaniam
LMHC, R-DMT, IECMH-E®
Daughter of Prasad and Rani Subramaniam, descendant of ancestors from Southern India. Dreamer. Disruptor. Artist.
Director, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Policy Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Germán Walteros
LMFT
Latinx Mental Health worker
Indigo Cultural Center Founding Executive Director
Natasha Pérez Byars
MS, MSW, LICSW
Daughter of Sylvia and David Byars; descendant of Black and Mexican love and community with roots in The Colony, Alabama and Weslaco, Texas
Indigo Cultural Center Director of Racial Equity Consultation and Training
nucha isarwowong
Ph.D., LICSW, IMH-E®
Descendant of the first peoples of Southeast Asia
Director, Advanced Clinical Training Program Barnard Center for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health University of Washington School of Nursing
Marie-Celeste Condon
MS-ECE, Ph.D
Descendant of Mi’kmaq L’nu, Québécois immigrants, and Irish settlers
Social Justice, Early Relational Health & Reflective Consultation
Eva Marie Shivers
J.D., Ph.D.
Descendant of Dreamers and Enslaved Africans Healer, Pleasure Activist, Portal Weaver, Visionary
Indigo Cultural Center Founding Executive Director
Aditi Subramaniam
LMHC, R-DMT, IECMH-E®
Daughter of Prasad and Rani Subramaniam, descendant of ancestors from Southern India. Dreamer. Disruptor. Artist.
Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Director, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Policy
Germán Walteros
LMFT
Latinx Mental Health worker
Indigo Cultural Center Founding Executive Director
Natasha Pérez Byars
MS, MSW, LICSW
Daughter of Sylvia and David Byars; descendant of Black and Mexican love and community with roots in The Colony, Alabama and Weslaco, Texas
Indigo Cultural Center Director of Racial Equity Consultation and Training
nucha isarwowong
Ph.D., LICSW, IMH-E®
Descendant of the first peoples of Southeast Asia
Director, Advanced Clinical Training Program Barnard Center for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health University of Washington School of Nursing
Marie-Celeste Condon
MS-ECE, Ph.D
Descendant of Mi’kmaq L’nu, Québécois immigrants, and Irish settlers
Social Justice, Early Relational Health & Reflective Consultation
Eva Marie Shivers
J.D., Ph.D.
Descendant of Dreamers and Enslaved Africans Healer, Pleasure Activist, Portal Weaver, Visionary
Indigo Cultural Center Founding Executive Director
Aditi Subramaniam
LMHC, R-DMT, IECMH-E®
Daughter of Prasad and Rani Subramaniam, descendant of ancestors from Southern India. Dreamer. Disruptor. Artist.
Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Director, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Policy
Germán Walteros
LMFT
Latinx Mental Health worker
Indigo Cultural Center Founding Executive Director
“Everything requires collectivity to heal.”
-sujatha baliga
Our Creative Team
Eliyannah A. Yisrael
Sankofa Creative and Media Coordinator
Storyteller & filmmaker; descendent of fellow dreamers, disruptors, and brave souls enslaved throughout the US south, and who dreamed their way to Chicago.
Joel Farias Godinez Jr
Video Editor
Proud son of immigrants, roots from the Purepecha tribes in Michoacán and Jalisco, Mexico. Husband, father, and community member seeking to contribute to the world's healing.
Claire Alexandre
UX and Web Designer
Diaspora child with roots in the French Antilles and the Alps. Abolitionist Feminist storyteller and student of ecologies determined to build systems of regeneration and reciprocity.
5 Ways YOU can help promote our project
The Sankofa Infant Mental Health History Project™ is a collaborative labor of love led by Indigo Cultural Center and made possible in part by our general operating support from the Irving Harris Foundation and Perigee Fund, Zero To Three Academy PAR Grant funding, and the generosity of our community. Every workshop registration, film rental or purchase, and sponsored event helps keep this ongoing project sustainable.
1.
Follow
Indigo on Instagram and re-post
2.
3.
Donate
to the sustainability of our Sankofa Project
4.
5.
Connect Us
to potential partners, conferences, or events via email
sankofa@indigoculturalcenter.com
Thank You!
we want to hear from you
we want to hear from you
we want to hear from you
