The Honor the Youth Organization

Despite our strengths and assets, Native American families and youth are not immune from the experiences of historical trauma, multi-generational grief and loss, depression and a host of other societal issues. Today, our Native families and youth are challenged with how to cope and deal with day to day life.

How Native American human life experiences are acted upon varies from one community to the next. In response to life challenges today in rural and urban communities, we have an epidemic of youth suicide, methamphetamine use, drug/alcohol, abuse or use, tobacco abuse and violence resulting in death. Many of our youth are normalizing these negative experiences in their daily lives, which is unacceptable. The HTYO has worked with other organizations and tribes to create and offer cultural activities which include a rich tradition of language and cultural practice

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Native Youth between the ages of 15-24 years of age; their risk is three times higher of committing suicide then another racial/ethnic group in the country. For example, in Minnesota it is nearly twice as high as any other racial/ethnic group. In the 2004 Minnesota Student Survey, American Indian Youth 12 graders were more likely to report suicide attempts than other racial/ethnic groups.

Drugs, alcohol and depression are the norm for many Native American adults and youth on and off reservations. For example, alcohol and marijuana daily use are common for adults and youth. Native community members have abused tobacco, resulting in Lung cancer which is the leading cause of death for Native Americans. Now, we have the insidious drug Methamphetamine (METH) which our youth are using at an alarming rate.

Many of our families and youth are not aware or lack the understanding of how this drug causes permanent brain damage and increases the chances of permanent mental health psychosis which results in lifetime treatment with anti-psychotic medications.

Violence and violent death rates for Native youth per capita is increasing on and off reservations. There is not one Native on or off the reservations who can say they have not had a family member or Native friend die at the hand of some form of suicide, drugs, alcohol, violence and/or depression.