This project will fund the implementation of a new curriculum for the sitka native education program (snep)

The Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the Sitka Tribe of Alaska $546,353 on October 1, 2025, under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to implement a new curriculum for the Sitka Native Education Program's Gajaa Heen after-school initiative serving middle and high school students.

The project addresses low enrollment in SNEP's after-school programming and rising rates of suicide, risky behaviors, and crime among tribal adolescent youth by developing youth-focused curriculum that connects students to Tlingit, Haida, Aleut, and Tsimshian culture, language, and traditional practices in a safe, educational setting. The revitalized curriculum aims to increase participation through enhanced outreach and to strengthen students' self-esteem, cultural knowledge, and community connection as a primary crime prevention strategy.

The Sitka Tribe of Alaska, a federally recognized tribal government representing over 4,400 tribal citizens, will implement the program in Sitka, Alaska. The period of performance runs through September 30, 2030. The Tribal Youth Program supports activities to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency, develop tribal youth healing to wellness courts, and strengthen juvenile justice system response for American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

Current snep services suffer from non-engaging curriculum, leading to low participation, especially as youth transition from elementary to middle and high school. Rising rates of suicide, risky behaviors, and crime among tribal adolescent youth are serious concerns affecting the community. To address these challenges, the sitka tribe of alaska aims to increase enrollment in gajaa heen, the snep after-school program for middle and high school students, as a primary crime prevention strategy. By engaging students through outreach and a revitalized curriculum, the program seeks to boost self-esteem, which can help prevent or reduce criminal activity. The proposed program will enhance prevention efforts by improving sneps outreach and after-school programming. Sitka tribal administration will implement a new, youth-focused curriculum designed to better align with student interests and increase participation. By connecting students to their culture, language, and traditional practices in a safe, educational, and enjoyable environment, snep classes will strengthen youth sense of self, cultural knowledge, and community connection. Conference activity description: n/a