Episode 102 Michael Duncan (Wintun, Maidu, Wailaki, Western Band Shoshone)

In Episode 102 of Red Hoop Talk host Jennifer welcomes Michael Duncan (Wintun, Maidu, Wailaki, Western Band Shoshone), founder and Executive Director of Native Dads Network, a Sacramento-based organization focused on fatherhood, wellness, and intergenerational healing. Michael shares how his own lived experience—overcoming addiction, incarceration, and disconnection from identity—shaped his commitment to building stronger Native families and restoring cultural foundations for the next generations.

Through Native Dads Network, Michael leads initiatives that center healing, accountability, and cultural identity, including the Boys With Braids program, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and IMPACT (Indigenous Mentors Protecting Ancestral Cultural Tribal Traditions). He reflects on the origins of this work, including his childhood experiences of being bullied for having long hair, which inspired a movement to protect Native youth and restore pride in cultural identity. His work also addresses broader issues impacting Native families, including the lasting effects of colonization on fatherhood, masculinity, and community health.

During the conversation, Michael speaks candidly about the cycles of intergenerational trauma and the urgent need to shift toward intergenerational healing. He emphasizes that while understanding trauma is essential, accountability remains critical, and that healing begins with belief—without it, change cannot take root. The discussion also explores how harmful norms around masculinity and emotional suppression have shaped generations of Native men, and how redefining strength through vulnerability, connection, and cultural grounding can create healthier families and Nations.

Michael also highlights the importance of early intervention for Native youth, noting that exposure to substances is happening at increasingly younger ages. He raises concerns about the normalization and misinformation surrounding cannabis and its impact on youth development, while reinforcing the role of mentorship, ceremony, and community-based approaches in prevention and healing. His work through programs like Boys With Braids, IMPACT, and broader men’s wellness movements demonstrates that meaningful change does not rely on funding alone, but on commitment, belief, and action.

Each episode of Red Hoop Talk connects listeners with powerful Native voices and lived experiences. By supporting the Association on American Indian Affairs, you help strengthen these voices and advance the work to protect Native cultural sovereignty and the next generations.