A conversation with Lea Denny creates a space of intense, focused attention. She’s a therapist with healing in her voice. She’s also a researcher and advocate for indigenous and native communities. She’s the founder and CEO of HIR Wellness Institute, a Milwaukee non-profit that works to treat intergenerational trauma through community-activated medicine, an approach she developed. She spoke eloquently about what it means to observe that kind of trauma not only in individuals but in neighborhoods and cities. Lea is also a voice for missing and murdered indigenous girls and women. She’s a Native Hawaiian, and she wore two leis to her interview with us. They brought the presence of her ancestors and collaborators with her. When Milwaukeeans were first directed to stay at home because of Covid-19, Lea and her team transformed the institute into a hub of virtual support for clients. She says it’s vital that we all strengthen our connections despite physical distance, and stay in touch with those we know are alone.