They came from different cities. Five young Native women, all college-aged, met virtually for the first time as part of NCUIH’s Youth Council Project. They began with beading, a quiet, intentional practice that grounded them in culture and shared purpose. Over several planning sessions, they built a behavioral health campaign rooted in resilience and lived experiences.
They spoke about the challenges of being the only Native student on campus, and how that isolation weighed on their mental health. But finding one another through this space sparked connection and helped them discover a collective voice. While this project has since concluded, its lessons on youth-led prevention continue to shape our work.
Who we are
The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is a national organization dedicated to supporting the 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) that serve American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people living in urban settings. In these areas, UIOs are lifelines, providing culturally safe health care that blends Western and traditional practices to address complex behavioral health needs.
Why culturally informed care matters
Urban AI/AN communities face mental health challenges shaped by historical trauma, forced relocation, and systemic inequities. Today, more than 70% of AI/AN people live in cities, often far from their tribal lands and traditional support networks.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 10–24, occurring at nearly three times the rate of their non-Native peers (CDC, 2022).
- Depression, anxiety, substance use, and unresolved historical trauma continue to impact Native youth at disproportionate rates (Office of Minority Health, 2022)
These challenges are real, but so is the resilience found in Native communities.
Turning awareness into action
At NCUIH, we are committed to supporting behavioral health priorities and advancing equity through culturally grounded initiatives, such as:
- Lifting community voices through efforts like the Hope for Life Day Campaign, which raises awareness about suicide prevention in Native communities, and reports highlighting the role of Traditional Healing and Traditional Foods in wellness.
- Raising awareness around critical issues, such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), helping to bring national attention to the urgent need for justice and prevention of this epidemic.
- Advocating for systemic change, ensuring policies and funding priorities reflect urban AI/AN communities’ unique needs.
- Building the capacity and sustainability of UIOs by offering culturally responsive training and resources. This includes:
- Delivering Mental Health First Aid training to UIO staff
- Developing a Behavioral Health Financing Toolkit to support sustainable program funding
- Conducting an Overdose Needs Assessment to identify gaps and guide local strategies
- Consulting on 988 training focused on culturally informed crisis response
Healing together: How you can be part of it
When we stand together, awareness becomes action, and healing is shared. Here are some ways we can achieve health equity for all.
- Listen and learn: Include urban Native voices in mental health conversations.
- Partner with UIOs: Find creative and purposeful ways to collaborate and create change.
- Advocate for equity: Champion funding and policies that support AI/AN health care.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Health disparities in suicide. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Office of Minority Health. (2022). Mental and behavioral health – American Indians/Alaska Natives. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
