Issue link: http://uwashington.uberflip.com/i/106618
Young Adult Health (cont'd) CHALLENGES •A more mobile lifestyle has resulted in some young adults not knowing grandparents, aunties, uncles, extended families. •May not know how to have a healthy adult relationship and may not have the skills to deal with "bad relationships." Employment/Education •Young adults may feel increased pressure from family (may be first in family to go to college) and from community to succeed. •If you make mistakes as a younger person it is easier to recover than if you make mistakes as a young adult. •Young adults may want to go to college but feel conflicted because their family needs them to stay and help. •Reduced motivation due to per capita payments. •Young adults often miss home/community when they go away to college. They may have become accustomed to knowing that they had support (aunties, grandmas, uncles, etc.) which is not necessarily available at college, and they may not know how to, or feel comfortable asking for help. Services •19-24 year-old age range is not one that is often targeted for programming, so young adults may slip through the cracks with regards to programs and services. •Access to healthcare becomes limited at age 19. •Young adults often don't tend to seek healthcare services on their own and therefore sometimes fall through the cracks. •Many aren't enrolled or don't have tribal identification — can't access employment assistance programs. •If can't enroll due to lack of records or blood quantum, can feel alone, lowers esteem and confidence, impacts access to healthcare. •Young adults are often not adequately prepared for college — end up using all financial aid in 1-2 years, then don't have the funding to graduate. •Some are unable to come back home to work for their tribe after completing college, often because of lack of jobs or not being welcomed home. •Difficult for some young adults to get employment with their tribe due to not passing drug testing. •Difficult for young adults with felonies to find employment. STRENGTHS •Strong culture with powwows, sports, basketball, etc. — young adults can gather in the community longhouses. With regards to basketball, it doesn't matter if you're great or not so great as a player, but more that you belong to something. •"We know each other's families" — strong family and community bonds and support. •As young adults leave home, they can build on/fall back on the teachings and support they've had to date. •Greatest strength is also a challenge — the loving acceptance, tolerance, and forgiveness of loved ones engaged in difficult behaviors. PA R T I C I PA N T Q U O T E "We brought them down to our tribal offices and had all of our staff come and sit down with them and talk to them about what their jobs were, what kind of education, what kind of experiences you need to get jobs in the tribe, what's the work of the tribe coming in the future, just to let them know because, I mean, we have a whole range of things. But we need very •In many communities, young adults have been part of various programs since they were born. They can be counted on to step up for community needs and events such as memorials and ceremonies. These young adults want to give back to the community. •Events and infrastructure in the community that resulted from ideas from young community members who then "did what it takes" to make it happen (e.g. the "Who Let the Dogs Out" Basketball Tournament). •Tribal schools. •Young adults may be able to leave a difficult home situation and transition into college with new opportunities. •Tribes/Native organizations collaborating and working with Indian clubs at colleges to support students. •Communities provide opportunities for young adults to give back, to feel proud. •Tribal employment assistance programs that include clothing and transportation vouchers, resume classes, and payment for certificate programs to assist young adults seeking employment. •Native communities value veterans. They may be at higher risk for mental health and substance abuse issues but are embraced and valued by their communities. smart, dedicated people and we like to have them be tribal members." 24 Washington Tribes & Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs) Health Priorities Summit