Returning To Balance

Crosswinds News is committed to supporting Indigenous community members and families with stories and resources that tackle the most pressing issues impacting them.

But too often stories about Native issues focus on the negative and the problems. At Crosswinds, we want to be partners for good- leveraging our journalism to highlight solutions, champion the positives, and explore how they can benefit others. And we’re experimenting with new tools to do it.

Our Returning to Balance initiative is thanks to the support of the Solutions Journalism Revenue Accelerator Cohort. Crosswinds Senior Journalists Rachael Schuit (Menominee) and Brittany Harlow have been participating in the cohort for several months, which began with an in-person workshop in Chicago in April 2025.

Explore our first stories:

Strengthening cultural identity in Native youth, to lower suicide risk later in life

This story is part of VNN Oklahoma’s “Returning to Balance” Solutions Journalism Series. Using a solutions journalism approach, these stories highlight Indigenous led, culturally informed strategies to address challenges that disproportionately affect Native communities. “Returning to Balance” aims to inspire leaders, health organizations, and community members to consider new,

CrosswindsRachael Schuit

Native Americans struggling with substance use find healing and connection through sweat lodges

Photo Courtesy: Osage Nation Health This story is part of VNN Oklahoma’s “Returning to Balance” Solutions Journalism Series. Using a solutions journalism approach, these stories highlight Indigenous led, culturally informed strategies to address challenges that disproportionately affect Native communities. “Returning to Balance” aims to inspire leaders, health organizations, and

CrosswindsRachael Schuit

Series information:

Made possible through sponsorship!

We’re pleased to announce Native Oklahoma Insurance as the Presenting Sponsor for the Returning to Balance series, a company committed to helping Indigenous people and their families secure the best insurance options to protect their families.

Learn more about our Returning to Balance sponsorship options below, then email bharlow@verifiednews.network to pledge your support today!

Custom sponsorship opportunities also available.