Alaska Native tribes begin five-year youth suicide prevention programs

Ten Alaska Native tribes and tribal health organizations will begin five-year youth suicide prevention programs on Sept. 30, sharing about $4.1 million in federal money, as Alaska's youth suicide rate sits at a 10-year high.

The state Department of Health counted 174 youth suicide deaths and 4,101 attempts among Alaskans aged 10 to 18 between 2016 and 2025, and found Alaska Native youth face the highest rates of both. Among 10- to 18-year-olds, Alaska Native youth died by suicide at 47 per 100,000, against 9 per 100,000 for White youth.

The awards range from $250,000 to $735,000. Tanana Chiefs Conference received the largest, for 15 Interior villages. Tuluksak Native Community, a Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta village of 313, received $700,000 to serve 153 young people through age 24. The others are Akiachak, Alakanuk, Paimiut in Hooper Bay, the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Kodiak Area Native Association, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Ninilchik Village and the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, which will work in Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg and Kasaan.

Every program has to build the same scaffolding: a workgroup, a community needs assessment, a tribal action plan and protocols for what happens after a death. What fills it is local. Alakanuk's program centers on Calricaraq, a Yup'ik approach to healthy living. Akiachak's draws on Calricaraq and Yuuyaraq elder teachings. The Southeast programs use storytelling and culture camps.

Kenaitze's application describes provider shortages and waitlists, and reports that Alaska Native youth in its region report suicidal thoughts at 32.2%, against 23.5% statewide.

"When we connect with our culture and our strengths of who we are as Alaska Native people, it's these very things that support well-being and community wellness for our people," Polly Andrews, a senior learning and development advisor, told the House Tribal Affairs Committee in April.

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988.