Black Hills FOX – Memorial Day weekend played host to a not-so-traditional observance in the Northern Hills. Military members and families from all across the country came together this weekend to be a part of a Sioux holistic healing retreat.

It’s well off the beaten path and that’s what makes it the perfect venue for a healing retreat. The 3-day retreat was hosted by members of the Sioux nation and utilized some non-traditional methods of treatment to help past and present military members, along with their families, cope with the devastating realities of conflict.

Healing ceremonies, drum circles and reflective painting were all a part of the prescription for the weekend. Arturo and Rossana Cambron traveled from Los Angeles to be at the retreat just three days after their son deployed for Iraq.

The Cambrons say, “I think it’s a very holistic way to approach this thing. Doctors tend to just treat the symptoms and here it’s a recognition that you need to be well inside before you can deal with all these other issues.”

Sunday was the final day of the retreat and coordinators say that they can already see changes taking place in those who participated.

Mike Bissonette says, “I’ve noticed some differences in their behaviors and their facial expressions and how they carry themselves and it’s more positive.”

Healers from the retreat say that the treatment will continue long after their guests depart and plan to offer their services through long distance communication if needed.