Knik Tribe wins $996,966 to plan a Mat-Su youth mental health system

A $996,966 federal grant will pay the Knik Tribe to design a mental health system for Alaska Native youth in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The funds cannot pay for direct clinical treatment.

Federal records show the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant runs Sept. 30, 2026, to Sept. 29, 2029, funding planning and capacity-building only. It serves Alaska Native and American Indian children and young adults from birth through 25 and their families, with particular attention to those involved with the Office of Children's Services or at risk of out-of-home placement, serious mental illness or suicide.

Objectives include forming a tribal community board of at least 15 members, including three youth and three caregivers, within three months. Other goals are a tribal SWOT analysis with the Butler Institute for Families and at least five cross-system memoranda of understanding by the end of year two.

Knik has more than 1,500 citizens across the 28,682-square-mile borough, home to 29 communities holding 14.6% of Alaska's population. The tribe will produce a written, family-driven blueprint.