Prevention and Recovery: A Multi-Agency Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Collaboration: A Quarterly Newsletter: 2015 Winter, V3(1)

2015·0.87 MB·English

Volume 3, No. 1
Winter 2015
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the
web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” — Chief Seattle, 1854
Engaging and Empowering
Native Youth Leaders
INSIDE Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Conference

Services Administration Conference 1
Director’s Corner 2 Engages and Empowers Native Youth

Departments of Justice and Education
Release Correctional Education Guidance
It is a good time to be young and Native. Philandrian Tree, a Native youth facilitator at
Package 3
Nowhere was this more apparent than at the NYC and tribal & program liaison to Chair­
Culture Leads Native Youth
2014 SAMHSA Native Youth Conference (NYC), woman Mandy Metzger, District 4 Supervisor
in Prevention 3
held November 17−19. The 3-day conference, Coconino County in Arizona, explains how the
“Gen-I” Ambassadors Celebrated at White with participation of over 200 tribal representa­ young participants responded to the call to
House Tribal Nations Conference 4
tives (nearly 125 Native youth) and 30 speakers share their views with high-level federal repre­
My Brother’s Keeper: A Year of Progress 4 from across the federal government, was the sentatives. “At first, many participants were
first SAMHSA cross-agency meeting to engage shy and kept to themselves. But by the end,
NEW!! Native Youth Perspective 7
Native youth in efforts to improve the health they were engaged and had a safe place to
Why Youth Leadership? 7
and well-being of American Indian and Alaska express the truth of their experiences, which
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Youth Visit 8 Native communities. At the conference, youth was amazing to see.” Another Native youth
Native Youth Honored by Secretary Jewell 9 shared their views on federal programs and facilitator at the conference, Maegan Ray, who
activities; shared their input for a national tribal works with Kauffman and Associates, Inc. and
Champion for Change Testifies 10
behavioral health agenda, and learned about the SAMHSA Tribal Training and Technical
Resources 11
best practices supported by SAMHSA’s tribal Assistance Center, observed: “They brought
Announcement & Events 12 grants.
(continued on page 5)
Director’s Corner
learning Indian songs were key to increas­ Tribal Law and Order Act The knowledge,
ing their sense of self and having wellness expertise, motivation, and passion within
and balance Comprehensive programs and the OTAP team can be far reaching as we
services designed to achieve balance culmi­ continue to build partnerships, respect
Dr. Marcella
nated from the study’s findings tribal sovereignty, increase awareness and
“Marcy” Ronyak
understanding of substance abuse and
Leading Change in the Paschal misuse, and support the development of
Director, Office of
culturally specific prevention, interven­
Indian Alcohol and Sherman Indian School
tion, treatment, and long term recovery
Substance Abuse
After working as a tribal psychologist for models
the Colville Tribe, Dr Ronyak worked for the
My goal is to lead through example, by
Before she became the new Director of Paschal Sherman Indian School where she collaborating with federal partners to
the Office of Indian Alcohol and Substance developed education models that incorpo­ provide tribes with outstanding technical
Abuse (OIASA), Dr Marcy Ronyak realized rated psychological services for students assistance and resources that are unique
how important mental health and well­ and families These services focused on to tribal communities Thinking outside
ness are to Native communities and the addressing the underutilization of services of the box and incorporating the unique
interrelatedness of the two health areas for Colville tribal members and determined needs of tribal communities can be accom­
in maintaining balance Her life’s work and what gaps existed to develop making posi­ plished in a variety of ways
educational pursuits in clinical services tive services that would instill a sense of
provided insight into how her community hope First and foremost, providing outstand­
ing customer service both internally and
perceived mental health and wellness, As a result of her work, suspensions and
externally will allow for the development
and led to strategies for achieving holis­ expulsions went down and the number of
of trusting relationships Our mission and
tic health by bridging the spiritual and students being out of class decreased as
goals lend itself to a multidisciplinary
emotional sides with mental health students learned effective coping skills She
approach, which is necessary to increase
Dr Ronyak, a member of the Confeder­ also helped staff to better understand and awareness and implement culturally
ated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in provide for student needs, which impacted specific prevention, treatment, and long­
Nespelem, Washington, has been provid­ their ability to learn term recovery modalities
ing clinical services since 1997 She previ­
ously worked for the Colville Tribes as a A Desire to Make Impact The holistic approach to healing will
empower tribes to implement cultural
tribal psychologist for two separate terms, at the Policy Level
specific programing, messaging, and treat­
and as an independent contractor provid­
As a practitioner, Dr Ronyak understood ment to strengthen their communities
ing clinical services to children and fami­
that making more impact would mean The voices, beliefs, traditions, and cultural
lies within the community It was in these
making changes at the policy level that respect within the tribal communities
capacities that she first recognized a need
would cascade down As a practitioner, she will drive the new energized workflow of
for wrap-around services to improve the
recognized limitations in what she could do OIASA in the upcoming year
health and wellness of the community
Her desire to create meaningful, sustainable It is time to strengthen our tribal communi­
But it was her study of the Colville Tribe
impact led her to the Office of Tribal Affairs ties through holistic healing, an enhanced
while working on her doctorate degree
and Policy (OTAP) She needed to go where definition of integrative behavioral health
that qualitatively identified community
policies were developed, reviewed and services, and strategic planning that
needs around mental health and wellness
updated to be able to make changes that accommodates the uniqueness of each
The study, which involved tribal members
would impact all levels Prior to becoming tribal community”
18 years of age and older indicated
Director, she was the Alcohol and Substance
emotional support, mental wellness, a
Abuse Lead Public Health Advisor for the About Dr. Marcella Ronyak
sense of self, physical wellness and spiri­
Indian Health Service (IHS), within the Divi­ Ph.D., LICSW, CDP
tually as priorities for achieving balance
sion of Behavioral Health (DBH) She consid­
Dr. Marcella Ronyak received her doctorate degree
in health and wellness Tribal members
ers being Director an honor and is looking in Counseling Psychology & Educational Leadership
also noted that physical and traditional
forward to building and strengthening from Washington State University in 2004 and
activities made an impact on their mental partnerships completed her pre-doctoral internship with
health and wellness Colorado State University Counseling Center in Fort
“This made me realize that there was a In a statement to OIASA staff, Dr. Ronyak Collins, Colorado.
high need to address mental health and states: She completed her Master of Social Work degree at
wellness through increased resiliency,” “It is an honor to join the Substance Abuse Walla Walla College (University) in 1998 as a part of
the advanced standing program and was a recipient
Dr Ronyak said “We wanted to increase and Mental Health Services Administration
of an Indian Health Service Scholarship in 1997-1998.
the strength of balance within their lives, (SAMHSA), OTAP/OIASA team As Director of Dr. Ronyak received her Bachelor’s degree in social
increase positive relationships, support the Office of Indian Alcohol and Substance work from Eastern Washington University in 1997.
identification for connectedness to Abuse (OIASA), I am dedicated to continue
cultural elements, which would lead to to build and strengthen the partnerships
personal success, improve self-esteem, with the federal, state, regional, and local
and hopefully reduce substance abuse communities
within the community”
As a leader, it is important to recognize the
Study participants identified that involve­ strengths within our staff and federal part­
ment in tribal activities, such as attending ners to make the largest impact by align­
root feasts, berry picking, participating in ing resources, implementing innovative
pow wows, dances, grave cleaning, and ideas, and fulfilling the requirements of the
(continued on page 7)
Prevention & Recovery 2 Winter 2015
Departments of Justice and Education Release Correctional

Education Guidance Package to Improve Quality of Education

Services for Confined Youth

“All children—all children—deserve equal federal student aid eligibility for students
access to a high-quality public education. And confined in adult correctional or juvenile
this is no less true for children in the juvenile justice facilities, and answers to frequently
justice system,” said the Former Attorney asked questions about the guidance package.
General, speaking at the release event.
In a letter to the juvenile justice field
The package includes several documents announcing the availability of the Correc­
intended to ensure that youth in confinement tional Guidance Educational Package,
receive an education comparable to that Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
provided in traditional public school settings. A Prevention Administrator Robert Listenbee
resource guide, Guiding Principles for Providing hailed the guidance package as “A significant
Former Attorney General Eric Holder and Education High-Quality Education in Juvenile Justice step toward our collective vision of a juvenile
Secretary Arne Duncan announced the release of
the Correctional Education Package at the Northern Secure Care Settings, provides supportive justice system that promotes positive educa­
Virginia Juvenile Detention Center in Alexandria, VA, on core activities and identifies five principles for tional outcomes for all system-involved youth,
December 8, 2014. Photo copyright U.S. Department
improving education for confined youth. Three enhances their academic and social-emo­
of Education.
“Dear Colleague”letters provide legal guidance tional skill sets, lessens the likelihood of youth
Former Attorney General Eric Holder and
on federally funded facilities’ civil rights obliga­ reentering the justice system, and increases
Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced
tions to confined youth, outline federal laws their chances of success in life.”
the release of the Correctional Education
guaranteeing the right of youth with disabil­
Guidance Package, a joint effort of the U.S. ities to receive special education and related For more information, visit http://www2
Departments of Justice and Education. The services, and clarify that young people in ed gov/policy/gen/guid/correctional-edu­
guidance and technical assistance resources secure care settings may be eligible for Pell cation/index html
that comprise the package will aid juvenile
grants, respectively.
justice secure care facilities, and the local Article retrieved at http://www ojjdp gov/
juvenile justice and education agencies that Additional resources include a 2-page fact newsletter/248633/sf_3 html
work with and support them, in improving the sheet which provides an overview of the
quality of education for confined youth. guidance package contents, a fact sheet on
Culture Leads Native
culturally specific club in the public school
that the Native youth attend. The club not only
Youth in Prevention: I
provides healthy activities for the students, but
also promotes the Native culture and language.
am Indian (“IAMNDN”)

Wahkinney wanted to do more. Grant funds
were used to support a competition where
Representatives from the Comanche tribe
Native youth competed to have their artwork
who attended the 2014 SAMHSA Native Youth on school supplies, including notebooks.
Conference are a sub-recipient of a SAMHSA The inside cover contains messages about
grant awarded to the Oklahoma City Area Inter- substance abuse and prevention. Pre- and
tribal Health Board (OCAITHB). post-evaluations are given to assess the
effectiveness. With the youth seeing these
The Comanche community is doing something messages every day, some are taking hold.
innovative to stop unhealthy cycles. Ronnie
Wahkinney, who manages the OCAITHB “When other students see the notebooks and
grant, said that they have three or four bars folders, they say, ’A kid did that and they’re
on reservation, but only one convenience Native? I want to make the same thing. I
store and even fewer places for youth to come want to be somebody,’” Olivia Komahcheet
together. Part of the lure of drinking for kids explained. Komahcheet is one of the first
in this community is that they are bored and youth to have her artwork on the cover of
have no place to go. To that end, Wahkinney school supplies, and she also attended the
and his colleague, Raquel Ramos, started a conference.
(continued on page 13)
Prevention & Recovery 3 Winter 2015
“Gen-I” Ambassadors Celebrated at White House Tribal Nations

Conference and in MTV Rebel Music Film

By Raina Thiele and Jodi Gillette
Through “Gen-I”, the Youth Ambassadors repre­ founded Native Education Raising Dedicated
sented the voice of Native youth by joining Students (NERDS), an organization that aims
with tribal leaders in breakout sessions and to decrease the dropout rate of Native youth
panels and participating in leadership devel­ by giving Native students a safe, helpful and
opment programming. Click here to learn healthy place to do their homework. Janay is
more about Gen-I! also actively speaking out about suicide and
dedicated her most recent basketball season
The 2014 Youth Ambassadors came from across to at-risk youth.
the country, from Alaska to North Carolina,
and are an inspiring group with big plans for As the youth reflect on their experience at
December 3, 2014. ( Photo courtesy of the Indian
making a positive impact in their communities. the Tribal Nations Conference, they are more
Health Service)
Over the course of their trip to D.C., they partic­ inspired and motivated than ever before to
On December 3, President Obama hosted
ipated in exciting events in advance of the create positive change in their communities.
the 6th annual White House Tribal Nations
conference, including a White House screening One of those students is Rory Wheeler of
conference where he announced Generation
of MTV’s riveting Rebel Music: Native America the Seneca Nation of Indians who said he’s
Indigenous (“Gen-I”), a new initiative focused
premiere episode followed by a panel discussion “honored to serve as a founding member of
on removing the barriers that stand between
that included Rebel Music creator Nusrat Durrani Generation Indigenous and plan[s] on doing
Native youth and their opportunity to succeed
and Lakota rapper Frank Waln. great things to enhance the lives of Native
using a comprehensive, culturally appropriate
Youth across Indian Country.”
approach. In addition to leaders from the 566 A signing ceremony for a new memorandum
federally-recognized Native nations, for the first of understanding between the Indian Health Darius Jackson from the Gila River Indian
time, 36 high-school aged “Gen-I” Native Youth Service and Nike N7 was held, which included Community said the conference was “the
Ambassadors were invited to engage with the a visit with 2014 FIFA World Cup Kiowa soccer highlight of [his] life so far.” And Kelsey Janway
President, Vice President, and Cabinet Officials player Chris Wondolowski. Several of the of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma who said
representing the White House Council on Native Ambassadors were featured in a new MTV that, as Ambassadors, “We’re going to be those
American Affairs on key issues facing tribes. video “Meet Generation Indigenous” that people who make the difference.”
followed two of the youth on their inspiring
The conference built on the President’s visit to journey from their home communities to All of the 2014 Youth Ambassadors are
the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation in Washington, D.C. incredibly impressive and will continue their
June, during which he and First Lady Michelle work with the Administration and non-federal
Obama met with a group of Lakota young The MTV Gen-I video featured young leaders partners to help sculpt and support the “Gen-I”
adults and learned about the obstacles and like Youth Ambassador Dahkota Brown of Initiative. We would like to thank each of them
problems they had experienced resulting from the Wilton Band of Miwok Indians and Janay for setting a positive example and being a force
substance abuse, violence and other pover­ Jumping Eagle of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Brown for good in their communities.
ty-related issues.
My Brother’s Keeper: A Year of Progress

This post originally appeared on The White House Blog
When President Obama launched the My At the launch of MBK, the President called for Last May, I joined young men in Denver, an MBK
Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative one year ago, government, businesses, nonprofits, schools, Community, for an open and honest discussion
he did so with a powerful call to action to help districts, and individuals, to commit to making about their lives — their challenges, support
more young people stay on the right track and a difference in the lives of our nation’s young systems, and visions for the future. So many
achieve their full potential. Too many young people. Since then, nearly 200 cities, counties, of their stories — both heart-wrenching and
people, including boys and young men of and tribal nations from 43 states have accepted inspiring — stick with me, but what perhaps
color, face daunting opportunity gaps and, like the MBK Community Challenge, a call to build struck me most were the words of Elias, who
all of us, the President knows that America will and execute locally driven plans with a focus was once told he was “an exception to his race.”
be most successful when its young people are on achieving excellence and equity from birth The words weighed heavily on him, as they did
successful. through adolescence and the transition to on me.
early adulthood.
(continued on page 9)
Prevention & Recovery 4 Winter 2015
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Conference Engages and Empowers Native Youth (continued from page 1)
fantastic people to the table. So many opportunity for young participants to network because they are focused on positive aspects
people have worked hard to get Native youth and connect with other youth who are also of their cultures and communities, solutions
involved in changing their communities. To be making a difference in their communities. for problems, and future directions.”
heard and honored was amazing and gave us “Since the conference, I have had many emails
the momentum needed to keep fighting for and discussions on various topics and new If that positive, future-oriented perspective
change throughout the next year.” ideas. This has been helpful in my work on a can be extended to more Native youth, the
youth webinar series, and I’ve been able to potential impact on behavioral health could
The historic conference has the potential involve youth from other Northern California be great. “Adolescent health behaviors set
to mark a turning point in the way the counties, who have organized a gathering the framework for adult health outcomes.
government approaches developing behav­ for those who want changes in their commu­ Although it is the healthiest period of the
ioral health programs and activities for Native nities,” says Ray. lifespan, it is also a period in which young
youth. Jeri Brunoe, conference facilitator and people experience the highest rates of death
owner of a firm that provides training and It is a positive and disability—primarily related to problems
consultation in wellness, service learning, with the control of behaviors and emotional
prevention, and cultural preservation says, “As space that focuses reactivity,” says Jeremiah Simmons, a facil­
someone who has been communicating with itator at NYC, who is currently pursuing a
the federal government for many years, I get on strengths-based doctorate in clinical psychology at the
the sense more than ever that there will be University of New Mexico.
continuation of a dialogue with Native youth. ideas, events, and
When agencies value the voices of young Other participants echoed the strong link
people and engage them in the planning language. between youth behavioral health and dealing
process, things begin to change and youth with emotions. “Youth often say that they
continue their involvement.” want someone to teach them coping skills to
Expanding the Network
deal with anger. Schools do not really teach
to Improve Native Youth
Already Leaders coping skills and how to deal with emotions,
Behavioral Health and young people need tools that relate to
Young participants, who were ages 14−24 at
their experiences and communities,” Brunoe
the time of the conference, are involved in For change to take hold and spread, it is
observes. Ray adds, “For so many young
SAMHSA-supported programs focused on important for the networking momentum
people, it is important to learn healthy coping
youth behavioral health in Native commu­ to continue and expand. To empower Native
skills and to know your worth. This learning
nities. Federal leaders from SAMHSA, the youth as leaders for health and wellness for
process has a cultural aspect, particularly that
White House Office of Intergovernmental tribal communities across the country, NYC
spirituality keeps us strong through traumas
Affairs, Indian Health Service, Health held a session on the effective use of social
in life.”
Resources and Services Administration, media to create change. Young participants
Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Office of formed the Young Native Leaders 4 Change
Moving beyond the individual level of behav­
National Drug Control Policy told the young Behavioral Health Network—a Facebook
ioral health, NYC emphasized the need to
participants that they are already leaders who page to help those who attended the
incorporate young people’s voices when
have a positive impact in their communities. conference stay in touch and engage peers
designing behavioral health programs and
Youth took part in sessions to boost their who also want change in their communities.
services. “When you start to include young
leadership skills further. For example, they had Using social media, youth share stories and
people in discussions on their health, they
opportunities to learn how to be a Gathering support one another. “Native youth who
have an active role in how they are defined
of Native Americans facilitator; find out are positive and long for change may feel
and one is immediately aware of their
about the Question, Persuade, Refer Model of isolated and overwhelmed by the problems
inherent sources of strengths and resilience
suicide prevention; and explore Mental Health they see around them. A network that is part
that they carry with them,” says Simmons. He
First Aid. of a national conversation on solving these
encourages young leaders to engage with
problems would help support them in their
adults and other youth to ensure that their
Through digital storytelling, youth developed efforts to change their communities,” says Ms.
perspectives help shape interventions and
videos with positive messages. They conveyed Tree.
policies created on their behalf. Tree notes
the most effective ways to communicate with
that young people in general, as well as Native
Native youth to SAMHSA and other agencies. “Having a support network improves their
youth, want services with non-traditional
In turn, they learned about communicating wellness—to them, the site is a basis for
hours, for example.
with federal agencies, private sector organiza­ behavioral health,” explains Brunoe. “It is a
tions, and one another to prevent substance positive space that focuses on strengths-
abuse and improve overall wellness in Native based ideas, events, and language. They don’t
communities. The conference provided the mention avoiding drugs and alcohol overtly,
(continued on page 6)
Prevention & Recovery 5 Winter 2015
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Conference Engages and Empowers Native Youth (continued from page 5)
Presidential Initiatives Involve
Native Youth and Focus on
Behavioral Health
In December 2014, President Barack Obama
convened the White House Tribal Nations
Conference. For the first time in these confer­
ences, the voice of Native youth was repre­
sented by 36 White House Youth Ambas­
sadors, who joined tribal leaders in the
breakout sessions and panels, and partici­
pated in leadership development programs.
At the conference, the President announced
several Native youth initiatives. Generation
Indigenous (Gen-I) will take a comprehensive,
2014 SAMHSA Native Youth Conference. Top Left: Jeremiah Simmons, Leon R. Leader Charge, Philandrian Tree; culturally appropriate approach to help
Bottom: Pamela S. Hyde, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrator; Raina Thiele, Associate improve the lives and opportunities for Native
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement; Kevin Washburn, Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs at the United States Department of the Interior; Yvette Roubideaux, Senior Advisor to the Secretary for youth (see http://www whitehouse gov/
American Indians and Alaska Natives; Mary Wakefield, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and the-press-office/2014/12/03/fact-sheet­
Human Services.
white-house-tribal-nations-conference for
However, youth engagement in behavioral ready for change and prepared to work hard more information). President Obama will also
health goes beyond being heard to being for it. I have witnessed a great deal of growth expand federal outreach on youth intern­
a part of the organizational structure and in the number of youth leaders—now in the ships and employment opportunities. Using
decision-making process—which requires an hundreds—during the past 5 years,” says the SAMHSA NYC as an example of engaging
acknowledgment that young people have Ray. Tree also emphasized the importance of Native youth, the White House Tribal Youth
unique strengths related to their develop­ Native youth leaders in tribal communities. Gathering—which will convene in summer
mental stage. “Youth participation ensures “Native youth leaders should acknowledge 2015—will involve hundreds of young people
that programs and services are relevant, that youth give strength to the community in a day-long convening to move forward on
engaging, and responsive to young people’s and maintain a conscious presence there. This behavioral health issues.
needs. For the young person, it gives them brings hope to older people, inspires peers,
the opportunity to have a say about what is and helps educate the general public about As part of the conference, the White House
important to them, to take control of decisions what it means to be Native American in the also released a new Native Youth Report. The
that affect their lives, to increase their skills, 21st century,” she says. report’s recommendations included calls to
and to build their confidence and connections strengthen tribal control of education, provide
to their community. For the organization, it What can SAMHSA and other federal agencies comprehensive and community-based student
means campaigns and programs are more involved in NYC and other Native youth initia­ supports, and bolster the integration of Native
effective in reaching young people, attracting tives do to maintain the momentum? “It’s cultures and languages into school climate and
their interest and representing their views and important for youth who participated to feel classrooms. These recommendations recognize
needs,” explains Simmons. that what they said has made a difference. the tremendous importance of education in
Although we realize that it is hard to see improving the life trajectories of Native youth
progress in a short time, federal agencies and strengthening tribal nations. They also
Youth participation
need to make the connection between acknowledge that tribal nations are in the best
ensures that programs their policies and programs and changes in position to address the unique needs of their
and services are relevant, communities tighter,” says Ray. A road trip students, and to do so, schools need access to
to Indian Country might be a good idea, resources that allow them to build their own
engaging, and responsive to
according to Tree: “As a next step, I would comprehensive supports. The recommen­
young people’s needs. suggest that federal agencies send represen­ dations also pointed to the need to improve
tatives to visit young people who attended community systems of care to better address
Momentum and Moving Forward the Native Youth Conference and commu­ the behavioral health needs of Native youth.
nities in person. Face-to-face meetings are
Native Youth Conference participants believe
a relevant way to engage Native American There is no doubt that the SAMHSA NYC
that there is strong momentum in the feder­
communities, because our culture is based and the White House initiatives to improve
al-tribal dialogue with young people, and they
on experiences, interactive conversations and the well-being of Native youth reflect an
want to keep moving forward—particularly
unwritten teachings. Such visits could be a big overall commitment to strengthening tribal
on behavioral health issues. “Native youth are
part of solutions and opportunities.” communities.
Prevention & Recovery 6 Winter 2015
NATIVE YOUTH PERSPECTIVE

Ways Adults
Can Empower
Native Youth
to be Leaders
By Coloradas Mangas, Chiricahua Apache
SAMSHA hosted the first-ever Native
Youth Conference in Washington, D.C. The
conference was meant to empower and
engage Native youth from all corners of the
United States. Native youth were brought
to the Nation’s Capital in an effort to help
push them in a positive direction. Youth had
the opportunity to meet and talk with high
ranking officials from various departments
of the federal government that dealt with
Native American Tribes.
Taking pride in our Native heritage and
helping cultural preservation was a big part of
SAMSHA’s Native Youth Conference. Youth were
taught the values of learning cultural ways and
how they can help us begin to heal mentally,
spiritually, and physically; that by being proud
of who we are as Native people, we can begin
to move forward together, to bring about a
Coloradas Mangas, Chiricahua Apache; Mescalero, NM
brighter future for all Native people.
people have faced for hundreds of years. SAMSHA’s Native Youth Conference helped
Youth were empowered by one of the Furthermore, that Native youth can begin to me build what I would call lifetime friend­
conference’s motivational speakers, Chance take charge and begin to break the chains ships. I met Native youth from all walks
Lee Rush. He encouraged youth to stand up and cycles of substance and alcohol abuse of life — from the Inuit in Alaska to the
and take pride in their Tribal heritage and to that have taken hold of the Native American Hoopa Valley in California; from the Tohono
begin to make changes for ourselves. He said people. Native youth have the ability to lift O’odham from Arizona, to the Menominee
that we are the leaders here and now and that our people up and help strive for a better of Wisconsin. All sorts of Native youth came
change begins with us. Chance encouraged future through perseverance. together to help empower one another in
the Native youth by telling his story of perse­ a positive manner. We built friendships that
verance and struggle as a Native male trying SAMSHA’s Native Youth Conference was a would help to further our knowledge of the
to make his way in the world. wonderful experience. Not only was I able world beyond our reservation borders, or
to meet other Native youth from across the even our state borders. The conference was
Youth were given the opportunity to stand United States, but I was also able to express one to remember.
up and speak on their behalf; to tell of the the needs and concerns of my people to others
hardships their people faced, not only for who can relate and help to begin to make From arriving the first day to leaving on the
reservation Natives, but also city Natives. a difference. The conference allowed me to last, every single person was beaming with
It was somewhat comforting to know that see what changes U.S. officials are making on pride and joy as we came together in a good
not any one tribe was suffering alone, and behalf of the Native Americans. I was able to way to begin to bring change to not only
was even more comforting to know that build leadership skills, which will help me as I our families, communities, or people, but
we are able to help one another begin to strive for a bigger and brighter future for my also to ourselves. For we are the leaders of
heal from the trauma and abuse that Native people. tomorrow, and we are taking charge today!
Prevention & Recovery 7 Winter 2015
NATIVE YOUTH PERSPECTIVE

ulously outgoing person that feels completely be. In contrast, telling a young person that
comfortable talking to strangers about any their passions are insignificant or that they
topic. This, however, could not be farther are too young to understand can be signifi­
from the truth. My fingernails turn purple and cantly destructive. It goes without saying that
my heart starts racing when asked to tell the young people do not have the same amount
class my name, age, and major; a ritual quite of experience as adults. However, this may not
common in nearly every situation. But when be to their detriment. Young people’s view on
it comes to giving a presentation in front of a life is often a great deal less jaded than an
crowd or giving an opinion during a Student adult’s. Maybe we desperately need this fresh
Senate meeting, I feel perfectly at home. point of view to point out the solutions to our
toughest problems, solutions that could be
I got my first taste of leadership at the young lurking right under our noses. I was fortunate
age of eight years old. I was elected to the enough to have a father that supported me
Martin Grade School Student Council. While without exception. Believe me, my interests
I may have only won my spot because my and passions do not always align precisely
posters had the coolest tiger pictures on with his; but he has always been my number
them, something about it drew me in and I one motivator. He is the reason that I have
was hooked. My leadership resume has grown made it as far as I have today.
Why Youth Leadership? since my fourth grade debut and if there
is anything I have learned, it is that you are Kids today are constantly being torn down
By Michaela Stroup, Lower Brule Lakota Sioux never too young to make a difference. There is from every direction. It is vital to remind
nothing that breaks my heart more than to see our youth how important they are because
Leadership, to me, has always been more
young people not getting involved because they are our future. We need a future full of
of an impulse than a controlled reaction.
they believe their work will not matter. innovators. We need a future full of self-mo­
Student organization fairs have always been
tivators. We need a future full of problem
my kryptonite, for I cannot help but sign up for
The best thing that adults can do is encourage solvers. The only way to achieve this future is
nearly every club. By these two sentences, you
youths to take leadership positions they are to empower our youth today.
may be getting the sense that I am this ridic­
passionate about, whatever the cause may
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Youth Visit

Youth from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
visited Washington, D.C., in November to meet
with federal officials, including the President,
as a follow-up from their meeting with him
during the President’s trip to their reservation
in June. The youth met with the President and
the First Lady in the Oval Office, and had lunch
with them on Capitol Hill. They met with other
White House and Agency officials during their
trip; attended events with NCAI, SAMHSA, and
Let’s Move in Indian Country interagency staff;
and learned about health careers at George
Washington University.
President Barack Obama with youth from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
Prevention & Recovery 8 Winter 2015
My Brother’s Keeper: A Year of Progress (continued from page 4)
Elias told me that he doesn’t want to be an nating the leaders of 63 of the largest urban schools of their obligations under federal law
exception to his race. Rather, he envisions a school systems in the country in an unprece­ to ensure that English learner students have
system where schools partner with nonprofits dented joint pledge to change life outcomes equal access to a high-quality education and
and higher education to create a pipeline to by better serving students at every stage of the opportunity to achieve their full academic
success that will work for everybody. their education. potential. The Departments also released
additional tools and resources to help schools
The good news is that Elias’s vision is starting In December, the Department of Education in serving English learner students and parents
to take shape. Partners from across the country convened the White House Summit on Early with limited English proficiency, including a
are recognizing the important work of MBK, Education, where we announced $750 million toolkit to help school districts identify English
with more than $300 million independently in new federal grant awards from the Depart­ learner students.
pledged by foundations and corporations. ments of Education and Health and Human
And, in July, AT&T, the NBA, and the NBA Services, to support early learning for over Great efforts are underway in communities
Players Association announced efforts that will 63,000 additional children across the country. across the country — but our young people still
expand opportunities for learning, mentorship, face great challenges. To truly change the face
volunteerism, and jobs for all youth, including And, I was pleased to join US Attorney General of opportunity in this country – to truly make
boys and young men of color. From nonprofits Holder in releasing a Correctional Education the bounty of America available to the many,
and foundations to businesses, private sector Guidance Package, which builds upon the and not just the few — we must replicate and
efforts are accelerating the work of MBK to recommendations in the My Brother’s Keeper expand what’s working.
promote academic and career success, and Task Force report. The guidance will help
mentoring and public engagement. states and agencies strengthen the quality of Our work is far from over. Let’s move forward,
education services provided to the approxi­ together, to do right by all our nation’s young
The Department of Education is doing its part, mately 57,000 young people in confinement people.
too, by improving existing programs to better every day.
serve our youth, and by creating new and Article retrieved from http://www ed gov/
better public-private partnerships that best Earlier this year, the Department of Education blog/2015/03/my-brothers-keeper-a-year-of­
serve the needs of our young people. And, and the Department of Justice released joint progress/
the Council of the Great City Schools is coordi­ guidance reminding states, school districts and
Native Youth Honored by Secretary Jewell

for Powerful Work in their Communities

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) „ Rory Taylor, 18, Pawnee Nation of “Our Champions for Change program recog­
recognized its 2015 Champions for Change Oklahoma nizes Native American youth who are doing
on February 25-26 in Washington, D.C. The inspiring work for their communities and
„ Tatiana Ticknor, 16, Yup’ik, Tlingit, Dena’ina
Champions for Change program, inspired by peers,” said former US Senator Byron Dorgan.
a White House initiative, is designed to shine a „ Carin Young, 22, Native Hawaiian “A long history of broken promises and failed
spotlight on positive stories in Indian Country, policies has meant that too many Native
CNAY and its founder and chairman, US
promote hope among Native American youth, American youth have not had equal access
Senator Byron Dorgan (ret.), honored these
and engage young people in leadership oppor­ to opportunity. These young Champions for
five young Native American leaders, whose
tunities. Change have overcome many challenges to
efforts include work on issues such as suicide
inspire others. We are proud to honor them
prevention, culture preservation, college
Bios on each Champion can be found at and their work, and to celebrate their accom­
readiness and sexual abuse awareness. The
http://www cnay org/2015_CFCs html. plishments!”
Champions were announced on February 24th
2015 Champions for Change: during a public event at the Aspen Institute Tatiana Ticknor, a 16-year-old Alaska Native
and were also recognized during a reception
was named a Champion for Change this year
„ Jazmyn Espinoza, 18, Stockbridge Munsee with US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell
for her efforts to address a variety of issues in
Band of Mohican to celebrate CNAY’s fourth anniversary on
her community, including youth suicide and
„ Hamilton Seymour, 15, Nooksack Indian February 25. While in D.C., the Champions bullying prevention. She said, “Being recog­
Tribe met with Secretary Jewell, White House staff,
nized by the Center for Native American Youth
Members of Congress, federal agency officials,
for my efforts makes me feel really, really good.”
tribal leaders and many others.
(continued on page 10)
Prevention & Recovery 9 Winter 2015
Native Youth Honored by Secretary Jewell for Powerful Work in their Communities (continued from page 9)
“I am excited to be connected with CNAY and “Lifting up powerful Native youth voices is at report, click on this link: http://www aspen-
continue my work to make a difference,” said the heart of everything CNAY does and the institute org/sites/default/files/content/
15-year-old Hamilton Seymour, who lost his Champions for Change program is the perfect upload/Voices%20Report%20Vol%20%20
father to suicide and has been committed embodiment of that,” said Erin Bailey, executive IV_2015 pdf.
to culture and traditional sports as a way to director of CNAY. “These Champions have
grieve, heal and prevent suicide. amazing stories to tell and CNAY will support Article retrieved at the Center for Native
them in their efforts over the next two years.” American Youth, cnayinfo@aspeninstitute
About one-third of Native children grow up in org, The Aspen Institute | One Dupont Circle,
poverty. They experience suicide rates triple In addition to the Champions for Change NW, Suite 700 | Washington, D.C. 20036
the national average and high school gradu­ leadership program, CNAY is committed to
ation rates hover around 50 percent. spending time on the ground and reaching out
to Native youth across Indian Country. Each
Support for the Champions for Change year, CNAY publishes a report summarizing
program comes from an anonymous donor, what they hear directly from Native youth
the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Comcast through these youth roundtables. To access
Foundation, and Nike’s N7 Programs. the fourth volume of the Voices of Native Youth
Champion for Change Testifies Before

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

Vance Home Gun, 2013 Champion for Change, goal of creating a healthy, more prosperous
provided testimony in front of the US Senate Indian Country and United States of America.
Committee on Indian Affairs on January 28. The Native youth want to work alongside the 114th
oversight hearing was titled, “Indian Country Congress as we reach that goal.”
Priorities for the 114th Congress” and Vance
testified on behalf of CNAY on Native American Article retrieved from the Center for Native
youth priorities, touching on issues of health, American Youth at http://www icontact-ar­
education, culture, and child welfare. During his chive com/fqukL5pYA_ISQOkWMeInk7e ­
testimony, Vance stated, “We all have the same Hwnb11JGx?w=4#
In February, Secretary Jewell kicked off
President Obama’s Native Youth Listening
Tour The tour is a key part of the Obama
Administration’s Generation Indigenous
(Gen-I) initiative, a program meant to
break down barriers standing between
Native youth and their opportunity for
success Over the coming year, Obama
Administration Cabinet officials will host
similar listening sessions and discussions
with Native youth across the country
A video was created to show why the
Administration is doing this listening
tour and why it’s important for the next
generation of Indian Country To view
the video, visit https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=0PD2CS77ELE
Prevention & Recovery 10 Winter 2015