This project seeks to strengthen prevention and intervention services for tribal youth by enhancing the native village of barrows (NVB) tribal youth program (TYP) in utqiavik, alaska, the northernmost…

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government $546,353 on October 1, 2025, under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to strengthen prevention and intervention services for tribal youth in Utqiagvik, Alaska.

The award funds expansion of the Native Village of Barrow Tribal Youth Program through culturally grounded activities designed to foster resilience, prevent delinquency and substance use, and strengthen familial ties. Key programming components include Eskimo Dance and Singspiration gatherings to promote family unity; mentor circles connecting youth with traditional knowledge bearers to create traditional regalia and build intergenerational bonds; and wraparound support services encompassing referrals to behavioral health care, substance use treatment, and educational resources. The program will incorporate group counseling to address behavioral risks in a supportive setting, informed by community input and evolving needs.

Performance runs through September 30, 2030, at the recipient's location in Utqiagvik, Alaska. The Tribal Youth Program supports tribal efforts to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency, advance youth services related to Tribal Youth Healing to Wellness Courts, and strengthen juvenile justice system response for American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

This project seeks to strengthen prevention and intervention services for tribal youth by enhancing the native village of barrows (NVB) tribal youth program (TYP) in utqiavik, alaska, the northernmost town in the united states. Due to the geographic isolation and limited access to youth services, nvbs TYP offers programming that fosters resilience, reinforces iupiat identity, and supports youth well-being. The NVB tribal court will expand its existing youth services by developing new programming informed by community input and evolving needs. The enhanced program will serve tribal youth through a range of activities designed to promote wellness, prevent delinquency and substance use, and strengthen familial ties. Key components include eskimo dance and singspiration gatherings to promote family unity; mentor circles that connect youth with traditional knowledge bearers to create traditional regalia and build intergenerational bonds; and wraparound support services including referrals to behavioral health care, substance use treatment, and educational resources. The program will also incorporate group counseling to address behavioral risks in a supportive setting. Conference activity description: N/a