Native Connections

The mission of Native Connections is to collaborate with other agencies in order to provide the best possible services for Native youth. We envision a community that supports youth and encourages them to obtain a healthy mind, body and spirit. The community will promote mental wellness in youth by encouraging protective factors including cultural traditions and addressing risk factors that contribute to issues like suicide, substance abuse, and trauma.

Our Priorities

Native Connections has three main focuses for Native youth 24 years old and younger:

What We Do

Native Connections is responsible for the following:

Annual Suicide Prevention Walk
Community Outreach
QPR Suicide Intervention Training
Partnerships with youth serving agencies
Gathering of Native Americans (GONA)
Understanding Behavioral Health Podcast
Support Policy Development
Native Flute Class
Behavioral Health Coalition
Support Yakama Nation Youth Council
Parenting classes in collaboration with the White Swan Coalition

How We Help

Some of Native Connections’ accomplishments include:

Native Connections worked with the Zero Suicide Grant to develop program policies on postvention (care following completed suicides).
Native Connections worked with the Yakama Nation Tribal School to develop policies and protocols for responding to suicide.
Native Connections facilitated a Parenting class with the Healthy Transitions Grant in collaboration with the White Swan Coalition. 12 adults to date have completed the class.
Native Connections assisted the Yakama Nation Youth Council with electing a new cabinet and revising position descriptions, and we are currently supporting the Youth Council members in fulfilling the responsibilities of their role.