First Nations youth of the U.S. and Canada are facing social issues of cataclysmic proportions.
Here are some examples:
Illicit drug use among First Nations youth is more than twice as high as the national average.
Binge alcohol use is higher among First Nations youth than the national average.
One in six First Nations youth has attempted suicide, which is four times more often than all other ethnic teen groups in the U.S.
The high school dropout rate among First Nations youth is higher than all other ethnic groups in the U.S.
Sexual abuse among First Nations youth is disproportionately high.
Teen pregnancy rate among un-wed First Nation girls is phenomenally high.
Although these statistics do not sum up who we are as a people, they do beg these questions, “Have our youth and families lost their identities? Do we even understand who we are anymore?”
There has been a disconnection from our communities and our culture, along with a loss of traditional morals and ethics, which has resulted in identity issues and low self-esteem. Consequently, and without even realizing it, First Nations youth express their frustration with it all through anger and violence. This anger and violence engages them into a social justice system that is ill-equipped to provide proactive measures to handle the deeper, spiritual issues at play.
Vision and Purpose
Historically, Indigenous people's exposure to Christianity has affected us negatively, as it has time and again condemned our cultures. We believe by strengthening or introducing culture and Christ to First Nations youth, that healing will begin, and Native youth will begin to release the frustration, anger, and deep hurt that stems from historical trauma. It is our commitment to empower native youth on this healing journey by providing training, leadership development, ministry trips, Talking Circles/Worship Circles, and activities that will help facilitate this journey.
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