University of Washington

" Adolescent Health What worked when they were kids does not work now. Parents, families, communities, services have to evolve across the lifespan." SUMMARY Youth are at the heart of American Indian/Alaska Native communities. They hold the promise of the future; they will be the leaders of the next generation. Native adolescents today face a number of significant challenges, and these were captured in the concerns expressed by Summit attendees. Among the concerns discussed were (1) the risk of alcohol and substance abuse; (2) the higher risk of suicide among this age group; (3) school drop-out rates; (4) difficulties with transitioning from high school to college, for those able to attend; (5) challenges dealing with difficult emotions, and resultant misdiagnoses and over-medication of youth; and (6) the need for traditional cultural and spiritual activities among this age group, coupled with the reality that adolescence is often when these practices are left behind. Participants also noted community strengths that are making a positive impact on youth. These included (1) exposure to culture, traditional teachings and history; (2) the positive influence of peers; (3) the ability for mentors to teach and build on resilience; and (4) the importance of youth feeling like they have people in the community who believe in them. Adolescence is a difficult time for young people — physically, emotionally, mentally and pragmatically. There is a strong need to feel competent, develop effective life skills, and feel like an important member of family and community. All of the discussions around adolescent health shared the core theme of providing support for youth as they walk through this emotional and physical journey. Successful, older young adults can serve as important role models, as well as community Elders. Participants also stressed the importance of supporting parents of teens, acknowledging that this developmental stage can be a difficult time for everyone in the family. Participants identified specific adolescent needs that they hope to see addressed in their communities. These included the need for youth recovery houses and suicide prevention programs. They would also like to see increased support for academic success and the transition into college. All discussion groups touched on the importance of youth developing plans for the future with the help of a mentor, 18 exploring ways in which they might respond to different situations and challenges (i.e. substance abuse, college workload, social life and financial decisions). Participants also identified the need for opportunities to discuss sexual identity openly and respectfully. A number of concrete suggestions were offered by participants, ways in which adolescent health needs could be addressed. One suggestion was to pair young people with other tribal members or Native people who have completed college and/or graduate school, as a way to foster mentoring and support. Other suggestions included creating environments where peers could act as a positive influence, providing opportunities to connect with more sophisticated cultural teachings, and developing education for youth that includes tribal history, sovereignty and how to listen to others in a traditional way. It was also suggested to train educators at non-Native schools in how to best work with Native students, and also to provide community opportunities for youth that promote a sense of purpose and the ability to contribute. Participants also identified challenges or barriers to youth getting the support they need in their communities. Some schools are not supporting youth enough. Even if there are good programs in the communities, it can often be difficult to engage youth. If parents aren't engaged in community programs and practicing traditional culture, this can also become a barrier to youth engagement and involvement. And while peers can act as positive influences, they can also be a strong negative influence — pulling youth away from community support. And finally, some adolescents are facing tremendous challenges at home and school, issues which force them to "grow up" too fast. Despite these challenges, participants were hopeful about addressing adolescent health needs and finding ways to meet youth where they are — whether through the use of technology (texting, Facebook, etc.) or through mentors working one-on-one with youth and offering guidance. All agreed that adolescent health was a priority and that, as one participant stated, "We need to just take the time." Washington Tribes & Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs) Health Priorities Summit

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