NCUIH Native Healthcast
This is the official podcast of the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH). These episodes elevate conversations about Native health and the development of quality, accessible, and culturally competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban settings.
Produced by: Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events at the National Council of Urban Indian Health
NCUIH Native Healthcast
Next Gen Healing Through Youth Leadership Programming
This episode looks at why youth engagement is essential. Guest speakers with extensive experience in mental health advocacy and youth engagement join Liz Best, manager of technical assistance at NCUIH. Colby Coughlin is a project director for the Tribal Opioid Response Project and Thrive, a suicide prevention initiative at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Shane Lopez-Johnson is the Thrive 988 project director at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, where he and his team work to inform and educate Northwest Tribes about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline and improve intertribal communications. Adan Vazquez is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a Detroit-based youth suicide prevention advocate, and an inaugural member of NCUIH’s Youth Council.
The discussion begins with why youth engagement is critical in mental health programming. Young people must have a voice in shaping protective and risk factors related to mental health. Because youth influence their peers, their involvement in curriculum development and program planning ensures that the strategies they learn resonate with their communities. Without youth buy-in, mental health initiatives may lack effectiveness. When youth feel empowered to ask for help, they become more likely to use available services, reducing stigma and improving long-term mental health outcomes.
The conversation shifts to strategies for engaging Native youth in mental health programs. Colby discusses how the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board serves 43 federally recognized Tribes across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Mental health consistently ranks as a top priority among Tribal communities, reinforcing the need for targeted programming. One major initiative is the We Are Native project, which is dedicated to Native youth by Native youth. This program started as a text messaging service where users receive motivational messages, contest opportunities, and mental health resources. It has since expanded into a widely recognized social media platform with international reach. The Thrive Youth Conference empowers youth by transforming personal struggles into creative expression. Another key initiative is the Native Youth Conference, held annually at Portland State University. This event brings together Native youth for workshops on mental health, leadership, and community building. The conference provides an opportunity to empower young people, giving them tools to advocate for themselves and their communities.
The discussion ends with the importance of integrating cultural teachings into mental health and prevention programs. Healing involves active participation through movement, traditional practices, or creative expression. This approach aligns with the philosophy that medicine is not just pharmaceuticals but also cultural practices like sage and sweetgrass ceremonies. By engaging in traditional activities, youth build resilience and develop a stronger sense of identity. Adan introduces his work with the Sacred Bundle Project, an initiative housed within the American Indian Health and Family Services organization. This project is unique as it is the only Urban Indian Organization serving Michigan, where a significant Native population resides.
The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), director of communications and events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), policy and communications associate at NCUIH.