Galena village (AKA louden village) is working to increase focus on youth as they have been struggling with substance use challenges and poor mental health

The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the Galena Village (doing business as Louden Tribal Council), a federally recognized Alaska Native tribal government, a $489,251 Project Grant under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731). The 5-year grant, effective from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2028, will fund a comprehensive youth services initiative to address substance abuse challenges and mental health issues impacting 167 Alaska Native youth in the Galena community. Key program activities include an afterschool program, summer cultural camps, academic support services, mental health treatment, cultural learning opportunities with elders, and a youth mentoring program. The goal is to implement a culturally-aligned tribal youth program in partnership with the Galena City School District to enhance public safety, promote positive youth development, and empower tribal youth to lead productive lives.

The galena tribal youth program will serve 167 alaska native youth through a variety of programming that includes prevention, intervention, and treatment. Galena village will provide youth services in collaboration with the galena city school district and will gather data on project efficacy to ensure quality justice services and programming for youth and young adults. The goal is to implement a culturally aligned tribal youth program in cooperation with the galena city school district to enhance efforts to create safer communities and empower youth to lead productive lives. Activities include creating an afterschool program for students, implementing a summer cultural spirit camp, hosting a summer learning camp for students at risk for academic failure, collaborating with galena city school district mental health services to provide treatment services for tribal youth, working with elders and cultural bearers to engage youth in cultural learning, and establishing a culturally relevant mentoring program.