Salamatof tribe will develop and implement a culturally based, afterschool, substance use and suicide prevention program for alaska native and american indian youth

The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded a $499,883 Project Grant under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to the Salamatof Tribal Council, a federally recognized Tribal Government. This 5-year grant will fund the development and implementation of a culturally-based afterschool program focused on substance use and suicide prevention for Alaska Native and American Indian youth aged 6-17 in the Kenai Peninsula region. The program will provide mental health services, cultural education, traditional activities, physical fitness, and vocational training. Key components include working with local behavioral health clinicians, engaging elders and cultural bearers, and incorporating Native games and activities at least 3 times per week during the school year. The program aims to address issues such as vaping, alcohol, substance use, suicide, and mental health that have been identified as priorities for the Salamatof Tribe.

The service area will include kenai, soldotna, nikiski, kasilof, and sterling for youth ages 617 that will address the issues that the salamatof tribe has identified as a priority, including the prevention and intervention of vaping, alcohol and substance use, suicide, and mental health. The program will work with local behavioral health clinicians that offer presentations and resources for participants and will work with elders and cultural bearers on storytelling and long-established values, including traditional songs and dances. The program will also implement a physical activity component to the program that includes traditional alaska native games, also known as native youth olympic games (NYO). NYO games and activities will be practiced at least three times per week during the school year. The program will also include a component within the afterschool curriculum that promotes job readiness and vocational and higher education opportunities. The program will offer time for staff to assist with homework and teach study and life skills.