Earlier this month, President Obama declared November Native American Heritage Month. Responsible for the Nation’s behavioral health, SAMHSA serves a diverse population and recognizes the unique needs of the Nation’s American Indians and Alaska Natives population.

This past year SAMHSA has sought input from Native American’s through different means, including a series of consultation sessions in Washington, DC and across the nation including in Colorado, South Dakota, Alaska and the SAMHSA Tribal Technical Advisory Committee. Through the consultation process SAMHSA works with the Nation’s Native American population to address their communities most pressing needs, including issues that disproportionately affect Native American populations, such as suicide and substance abuse. Though not readily apparent, the consultation process has also helped set SAMHSA’s Tribal Agenda, which will become more apparent as federal budgets are approved and improvements in block and discretionary grant application requirements are implemented. In addition to the consultation process, SAMHSA is partnering with the Indian Health Services (IHS) to address the behavioral health needs of the Native American population.

SAMHSA also recognizes that Native American representation on key SAMHSA initiatives is critical. In early September, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention  was launched. Mac Hall from the National Indian Youth Leadership Project and Coloradas Mangus from Mescalero Apache, have been appointed to represent American Indians on the Alliance. They will work with the Alliance on planning, implementation and accountability for updating and advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. The objective of the Alliance is to grow advancements for practitioners, policymakers, service providers, communities, families, agencies and other partners that play a vital role in reducing the burden of suicide in America. 

SAMHSA is also involved in the implementation of the Tribal Law and Order Act and has the responsibility to improve coordination among the Federal agencies to prevent drug trafficking and reduce rates of alcohol and drug addiction in Indian Country. To achieve this, SAMHSA is coordinating with other Federal agencies to monitor the performance and compliance with relevant Federal programs in achieving the goals of this provision.

Lastly, be sure to take a look at the SAMHSA Strategic Initiatives each initiative reflects tribal needs and perspectives. However, this was not a time to celebrate the hard work on behalf of Indian Country but to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of America’s first nations. On behalf of SAMHSA, we want to acknowledge the hard work happening in Indian Country and give our appreciation to the contribution of American’s first nations.