A Personal Success at Native American Treatment Camp
By Terryl R. Cadwell, Chief U.S. Probation/Pretrial Services Officer
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Every year, 30 participants in the district's reentry program, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)/Aftercare, and their significant others spend 8 days in intensive therapy against the backdrop of the sacred Black Hills. Specifically designed by and for Native Americans, this offender treatment experience incorporates psychodrama, equine therapy, and arts and crafts. The program also includes intensive small group therapy, led at Placerville Camp by Roads Inc. of Rapid City, SD.
MRT is a 12- or 16-step recovery program that focuses on moral development and reasoning. By using various treatment methods (including extensive group sessions, self-assessment, assessment of current relationships, awareness of victims, positive reinforcement, self-concept enhancement, and delayed gratification), MRT strives to rehabilitate offenders and reduce their recidivism. Backed by 20 years of research as a treatment method reducing recidivism, the therapy has proved so effective that the South Dakota courts require it as part of the probation process.
Successful reentry is difficult for any felon, but this is especially true in Indian Country. "We have major unemployment and finding a job here takes an act of god," said Monica Lawrence, Probation Officer Assistant. "Every day is a struggle, and that struggle is made more difficult with a felony." But even with all of the roadblocks, people make it.
One of the camp's success stories is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe named Loren Bagola. "Loren's story basically embodies the life and hardships that offenders face when they come out of prison and back home," said Lawrence. In 1989, Loren was sentenced to a 20-year prison term for second-degree murder, having shot and killed his sister's boyfriend in an alcohol-related incident. While in prison, Loren heard stories of regimented halfway house programs and saw former cell-mates return to prison after participating in formal reentry programs. Fearing similar failure, Loren declined placement in such a program and returned directly to Cherry Creek, the rural reservation community where he grew up. He started supervised release in September 2006, living alone in a small dilapidated trailer in an isolated area of the reservation.
Loren's reentry was bound to be especially difficult. He had lost his right arm below the elbow in an industrial accident in prison and reentered society without vocational rehabilitation services or Social Security assistance. As a convicted murderer with one arm, a perpetual scowl, and formidable size, he appeared quite frightening to many who did not know him. While confined, Loren also learned quickly to weigh his words carefully, and he continues to speak cautiously and with reservation. Since his release, he has experienced all the typical impediments faced by Native Americans living in rural impoverished settings—a lack of transportation, practical resources, and prosocial activities.
At his supervised-release orientation, U.S. Probation Officer Jay Shillingstad encouraged Loren to attend treatment camp. In the interim, he was referred immediately to reservation-based aftercare and MRT. From the start, Loren was committed to sobriety and has benefited from the support and social interaction provided by the aftercare and MRT groups. He remains an active participant in both groups, driving 40 miles one-way to attend weekly aftercare sessions. According to Shillingstad and treatment providers, he has been a stabilizing, positive influence in the groups. "It goes back to being resilient in your spirit and having support from somewhere," said Lawrence. "Sometimes just one person, whether it be your officer, family member, or just a friend, can help."
On May 23, just days before Loren was scheduled to arrive at camp, his mother died unexpectedly. When family members gathered to grieve and began drinking heavily before the funeral, Loren wanted to avoid the inevitable chaos and a relapse. Fortunately, he had promised his mother before her death that he would complete treatment camp and maintain a sober lifestyle. "Loren's family did not change while he was in prison," said Lawrence. "There is still drinking and fighting and everything that goes with that, but he is able to rise above it, and continue in a good way, sometimes alone."
He left for camp the day before his mother's funeral, telling his therapy group later that he had said goodbye "in a spiritual way" and wanted to honor her memory by keeping his promise.
Almost immediately after he arrived at camp, spiritual leaders, probation officers, therapists, and group members prayed for Loren and his family in the large group meeting that opens the camp. He was able to grieve and express openly in a safe environment many years of anger—not only for the loss of his mother and for his crime, but also for the loss of so many years of his life in prison.
More than a year after his release from prison, Loren remains committed to completing treatment. He successfully completed camp this year and remains sober. Although he is still dependent on his family and working to get qualified for assistance, Loren is a productive member of his family and community. For instance, he cares for his family's horses in an isolated area of the reservation. Every day is still a struggle, but Loren can point to one fact that perhaps makes the struggle worthwhile: He's keeping his promise to his mother.
For more information, contact:
Jay Shillingstad, U.S. Probation Officer
605–865–3246
Monica Lawrence, Probation Officer Assistant
605–865–9673
