NY Holds Strong w mascost challenge and Suicide Stats

In the ongoing struggle to heal our history with the Indigenous peoples of this land, this week's email shares a step forward but also how much there is to heal. The Native youth suicide statistics show strong evidence for banning the use of Native identity for sports mascots.

1) STEP FORWARD: New York State stands strong against Trump Administration's attempt to roll back their Native American Mascot Rule. Our friend, John Kane (Mohawk) received a letter from the New York Department of Education for his work on this subject that included:

"On behalf of the New York State Education Department, I want to extend our sincere appreciation for your ongoing support and partnership in advancing equity and dignity for Indigenous students and communities across New York State...

As outlined in our response, the regulation—Part 123 of the Commissioner’s Regulations—reflects our longstanding commitment to fostering safe, inclusive learning environments and eliminating harmful stereotypes. The Department’s position is grounded in decades of legal authority, educational research, and input from Indigenous Nations, including many of you."

FOR NEW YORK STATE'S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S FULL RESPONSE CLICK HERE.

2) "In the last 20 years in the US, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have experienced a higher increase in suicide risk than any other population."

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Native Americans and Alaska Natives have seen the largest increase in suicide risk since 1999. Between 1999 and 2017, female Indigenous Americans experienced a 139 percent increase in suicide risk, while male Indigenous Americans experienced a 71 percent increase. The CDC reports that, in 2022, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) people had a suicide rate 91 percent greater than the general population." READ FULL ARTICLE HERE 

Native teens January 2025- this image belies the statistics, looking happy on the outside, the intergenerational trauma still causes depression, anxiety and sometimes suicide. Counseling programs are sorely needed and have been further cut by the current Administration.