Native Community Development Associates (NCDA)

"solution driven services through education, training, and support"

Mental Health and Wellness Programs Tailored for Native Youth

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Mental health challenges among Native youth are becoming increasingly acknowledged as a pressing issue in modern society. These young individuals navigate a complex landscape shaped by their experiences within Native communities, where they often confront significant obstacles. The impacts of historical trauma loom large, manifesting in deep emotional scars passed down through generations. Coupled with socioeconomic disparities, such as high poverty rates and limited access to quality education and employment opportunities, these factors create an environment where mental health struggles can thrive. Cultural disconnection further complicates their situation, as many Native youth find themselves distanced from their traditions and heritage, leading to feelings of isolation and loss. Consequently, rates of substance abuse, depression, and anxiety soar among these youths, driven by the heavy weight of their circumstances. To genuinely support Native youth, it is imperative to approach their mental health needs with a nuanced understanding of their unique challenges, ensuring that solutions are culturally relevant and effectively address their specific experiences. According to Cox (2024), “Currently, Indigenous teenagers are facing a mental health crisis that is worsening despite federal efforts. American Indian and Alaska Native teens are more than twice as likely to be receiving mental health treatment than their peers, according to data compiled in 2021 and released last year by the Department of Health and Human Services” (Cox, 2024).

To effectively support Native youth, embracing culturally appropriate approaches tailored to their unique identities and experiences is crucial. This may involve weaving traditional practices and values into mental health programs, creating a nurturing environment reinforcing their sense of belonging. According to Mineo (2022), “Innovative programs in several Native communities in the U.S. and Canada offer a return to traditional cultural practices and ritual participation instead of mainstream therapeutic activities” (Mineo, 2022). By incorporating culturally relevant practices that resonate with the youth’s tribal heritage, these programs can foster emotional wellness. Additionally, such approaches empower the youth and enrich the understanding and effectiveness of mental health professionals working with them. According to Stringer (2023), “Mental health professionals can begin to equip themselves to foster healing in Native American populations by understanding the history of colonialism, learning about the values and traditions of tribal communities, and incorporating spirituality and other sources of strength into treatment” (Stringer, 2023).

Several impactful mental health programs tailored explicitly for Native communities showcase the remarkable effectiveness of culturally relevant approaches. The Indian Health Service’s behavioral health programs artfully weave traditional cultural practices with modern therapeutic techniques, fostering a comprehensive and holistic support system that resonates deeply with Native youth. The Strong Hearts Native Helpline is vital, offering culturally sensitive guidance and support to needy individuals. Meanwhile, We R Native is an extensive health resource, providing engaging stories and informative content addressing various mental health care aspects for young people in Native communities (Canning, 2023). Furthermore, organizations like the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) combine educational initiatives, cultural enrichment, and mental health services. This multifaceted approach creates a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes the overall well-being of individuals and families within these vibrant communities. The White Bison organization is crucial in empowering Native communities by offering a range of resources focused on sobriety, recovery, and addiction prevention. Various programs and support networks aim to foster healing and resilience within these communities, ensuring individuals can access the tools and guidance needed for a healthier, addiction-free life (Canning, 2023).

References:

Canning, K. (2023). 6 Mental Health Resources for Indigenous Peoples in the U.S. WonderMind. 6 Mental Health Resources for Indigenous Peoples in the U.S. – Wondermind

Cox, E. (2024). Native Teens Are Facing a Mental Health Crisis—Here’s What’s Behind the Numbers. Sandstone Care. Native Teens Are Facing a Mental Health Crisis—Here’s What’s Behind the Numbers (sandstonecare.com)

Mineo, L. (2022). When pipe ritual helps more than talk therapy. The Harvard Gazette. Reimagining Indigenous mental health care — Harvard Gazette

Stringer, H. (2023). The healing power of Native American culture is inspiring psychologists to embrace cultural humility. American Psychological Association. The healing power of Native American culture is inspiring psychologists to embrace cultural humility (apa.org)

Empowering Native Youth: Crime Prevention Through Education and Mentorship

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Empowering Native youth is a profoundly significant commitment within Native American communities. It is vital to recognize that these young individuals are not just the future but also the torchbearers of their communities’ teachings, cultural values, and traditions. Through targeted education and mentorship programs, we aim to provide these youths with the necessary tools to prevent crime while equipping them with the essential life skills needed for their future success. By offering resources and unwavering support, we can collectively contribute to creating a more promising future for Native youth, ultimately diminishing the likelihood of their involvement in criminal activities.

Education and mentorship are fundamental in equipping Native youth with the necessary tools and capabilities to thrive in their future pursuits. Through academic learning and mentorship, these young individuals gain knowledge and skills and develop essential values and principles that enable them to actively seek educational and professional opportunities. Empowering Native youth is intricately tied to providing them with robust educational pathways. Education serves as a catalyst for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, all of which are vital for their personal and professional growth.

 Investing in educational programs is not just beneficial, it is highly advantageous. It can profoundly impact Native youth by allowing them to realize their full potential, build confidence, and experience many other benefits that come with a well-rounded education and supportive mentorship. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (n.d.), “Improving education and youth employment opportunities, enhancing social skills, and providing youth with mentors and adult role models are essential components of delinquency prevention” (Office of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, n.d.). This investment in education and mentorship is an investment in the future of our communities.

Mentorship is not just a support system but a crucial element in empowering Native youth and contributing to crime prevention. Positive role models can offer valuable guidance, stability, support, and encouragement, creating a positive environment for Native youth to make well-informed decisions and navigate challenges. By connecting Native youth with mentors and establishing partnerships with external organizations, they are exposed to diverse perspectives and insights, which can inspire them to pursue constructive paths in their lives. According to Mentor (n.d.), “Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in various personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity” (Mentor, n.d.). This exchange of knowledge and support can have a lasting impact on the lives of Native youth, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

Education and mentorship play crucial roles in addressing the persistent challenges faced by Native American communities, including high crime rates, widespread poverty, elevated unemployment, and a shortage of essential resources. By instituting comprehensive education and mentorship services that directly confront these underlying issues, we can offer Native youth the opportunity to flourish in a nurturing environment, thereby diminishing the risk factors associated with criminal behavior.

In conclusion, providing Native youth with tailored programs through education and mentorship services can foster a profound sense of belonging and community connection, ultimately playing a vital role in reducing delinquency rates. The prevention of crime through mentorship and education can cultivate safer, more resilient communities for youth and other community members.

References:

Mentor. (n.d.). Mentoring Impact. https://www.mentoring.org/mentoring-impact/#:~:text=Research%20confirms%20that%20quality%20mentoring,and%20social%20and%20economic%20opportunity.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (n.d.). Mentoring. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/programs/mentoring#:~:text=Mentoring%20has%20been%20shown%20to,however%2C%20many%20more%20do%20not.

Developing Youth Programs – the community and you

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Summer is here! Young people are out and about in the community to enjoy a few months of summer vacation or finding summertime employment. For service providers, summer can mean increased youth engagement. Many service providers ramp up their youth-focused activities during the summer to address social problems and respond to disparities in community services. Children and young adults engage with multiple systems in our communities, ranging from community service providers, schools, neighborhoods, peers, and families. Each of these systems has a strong influence on young people as they approach adulthood. Summer is a great time to engage young people and for service providers to ask themselves: How can we bring together and use multi-systems in our communities to ensure young people have the resources they need to make healthy and safe choices?

It is important to look at how youth programs focused on intervention services such as drug/alcohol use, gang activity, bullying, dating violence, etc. are developed. Too often these programs are designed without the input of young people. Adults in the community will observe a problem, apply for funding or financial support, and move forward with developing a new youth program. When the program is not as successful as was hoped, service providers and organizations are left wondering what happened. Young people are experts in their experience and add value to every step of the process of program development. Youth understand what activities and initiatives will resonate with their peers. They know what messaging will push youth away from a program and what will draw them in.

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Connect With Us

Native Community Development Associates
P.O. Box 403
New Laguna, NM 87038

P: 505-259-2095
E: melissa@nativecda.org

About Our Logo

Our logo has two feathers that represent the mother and father who I give thanks and praise to, everyday through prayer. The feathers joined at the bottom represent the strength of our mother and father to carry the weight of the world in hopes that we will do what is right and just. The round circle in the logo represents the Earth. The recycle icon in the center of the Earth represents the thought that we should not acquire knowledge and skills only to be kept by our own being, but to share what we have learned with others.