Blog
Empowering Native Youth: Honoring Culture and Building Resilience for the Future
November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and traditions of Native peoples across the United States. It is an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and strength of Native communities, who have endured centuries of adversity and continue to make vital contributions to the social, cultural, and political fabric of this nation. Throughout this month, we recognize the diverse tribes and nations that make up the fabric of Native American identity, while also acknowledging the ongoing work to preserve these cultures, empower future generations, and address the challenges they face. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and supporting Native communities, and the crucial role that culture, heritage, and identity play in the well-being and resilience of Native youth.
It’s essential to respect the vital work being done to support the well-being and future of Native youths who carry these cultural legacies forward. Tara Reynon, Senior Program Director at the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), plays a key role in this effort, overseeing a broad spectrum of services designed to strengthen Native communities. From providing technical assistance and training for frontline workers to guiding public policy and advocacy, Reynon’s work ensures that Native children and families receive culturally relevant and holistic support. As she explains, “All the things we do at NICWA, the heart of it is within my department. It’s a broad scope, but it’s all rooted in ensuring we are supporting communities through culturally relevant, holistic approaches.”
A core component of NICWA’s work is addressing the unique challenges faced by Native youth, particularly around mental health and the disturbing rates of suicide among this group. Reynon stresses that the preservation of cultural identity is key to helping youth thrive. “We can start by first honoring and celebrating the rich culture that exists for Native communities,” she says. “There are 574 tribes, and each one has its own history, resilience, and survival. It’s essential that we start by understanding and learning about each community’s unique culture.” She adds that a holistic approach, which encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural well-being, is the most effective way to support Native children. Culturally responsive mental health services that are led by youth, elders, and families are critical.
“When we integrate cultural practices and beliefs into services, we’ve seen that children fare better.”
Tara Reynon
Native youth face particular challenges when it comes to their identity and sense of belonging. Many are caught between two worlds – mainstream society and their tribal communities – often separated by distance, history, or government policies that have disrupted their connection to their culture. Reynon explains, “They’re living with the effects of generational trauma, substance abuse, and disproportionate representation in the child welfare system. What they’re facing is a loss of cultural identity, which then becomes a loss of self-identity.” This loss can severely impact mental health and overall well-being.
The solution, Reynon explains, lies in community-based, youth-centered initiatives that help Native youth reconnect with their culture and sense of self. One example she highlights is the *Healing of the Canoe* program in Washington State, which has been running for over 25 years. This program uses the metaphor of the canoe journey to help youth navigate life’s challenges, teaching them life skills and resilience through culturally grounded practices.
“It’s all about community—everyone paddling together. That’s the strength of the initiative; it brings youth back into the fold of their community and culture.”
Tara Reynon
In addition to these programs, Reynon emphasizes the importance of providing Native youth with opportunities to lead. “A lot of tribes have established youth councils that give young people the chance to voice their concerns, contribute solutions, and build leadership skills,” she says. “When we turn to youth and ask, ‘What do you need?’ they give us the answers.” This empowerment is crucial for creating long-term, sustainable support systems that nurture resilience and prevent suicide.
Reynon also points to the need for greater collaboration between government agencies, community leaders, and healthcare providers to improve access to holistic care for Native youth. “We need to work together to identify barriers to services,” she asserts. “And we have to ask the youth themselves what they need. That’s how we can truly meet families where they are.” She highlights the importance of ensuring that services are culturally grounded, accessible, and effective at addressing the unique needs of Native communities.
When asked about the role of education in promoting mental health and suicide prevention, Reynon reflects on the importance of culturally relevant educational programs. “In a lot of our tribal schools, education goes beyond just academics—it’s about identity,” she says. “We see that when youth are taught in ways that honor their culture, they thrive. These programs can be a powerful tool in addressing mental health issues and reducing suicide rates.” She also emphasizes that educational initiatives must involve youth in the design and delivery of the programs to be truly impactful.
Looking ahead, Reynon believes the long-term goal for the well-being of Native youth is to create a future where their rights are fully protected, their culture is celebrated, and their access to supportive services is guaranteed. One major initiative she highlights is NICWA’s ICWA 2050, which aims to ensure that tribal child welfare systems continue to grow and strengthen over the next generation.
“This is about securing the future of Native children and
making sure that they have access to their families, their culture, and their communities. It’s about protecting their identity, and ultimately, protecting
their lives.”Tara Reynon
Through programs like these, Reynon believes Native communities can foster resilience, prevent suicide, and help their youth flourish—rooted in culture, supported by community, and empowered to lead.