Every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, people all over the United States celebrate the national holiday of Thanksgiving, where families, friends, and loved ones gather to share food, celebrate, and give thanks. While many recognize the holiday currently as a celebration of gratitude, with little connection to our ancestral ties, for many others, Native Americans and tribal communities, this season marks a period of mourning.
The National Day of Mourning is commemorated on this day by many Native American and Indigenous people to remember and reflect on the genocide and mistreatment of their communities, the territorial colonization of the land, to honor ancestors and to come together as Native people.
This history of settler colonialism and its consequences on behavioral health is still present today. Consider that:
Native American/Indigenous people in America report experiencing serious psychological distress 2.5 times more than the general population.1
The suicide death rate for Native American/Indigenous people in America between the ages of 15-19 is more than double that of non-Hispanic whites.2
Native/Indigenous people in America start to use and abuse alcohol and other drugs at younger ages, and at higher rates, than all other ethnic groups.3
On the other hand evidence shows that immersing and engaging with cultural traditions and spiritual practices are protective factors in behavioral health,4 for their wellbeing and especially against incidents of suicide for Native Youth.5
There are more than 570 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages in the United States.6 We also recognize the U.S. colonialism attached to federal recognition of some but not all tribal communities across the country. The South Southwest MHTTC joins the United American Indians of New England and many other organizations in the U.S. by acknowledging the honest and inclusive truth of the historical trauma Native American communities have experienced and the implications of that trauma today; as well as continuing the efforts in our work for continuous cultural and linguistic humility, adapting our activities to be inclusive of the diverse cultures in our region, and respecting and acknowledging the diversity of all of the communities that we serve.
Today, we invite you to join us in recognizing the holiday’s authentic history as we work together toward a more healthy, inclusive community for all.
MHTTC Resources:
National American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
Engaging American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Relatives in Psychotherapy: This training supports efforts to increase understanding of Native culture. The training also provides clinicians with practical tips for improving engagement with this population, in order to improve clinical outcomes with American Indian/Alaska Native clients.
Other Behavioral Health Resources
Indigenous Story Studio creates illustrations, posters, videos, and comic books on health and social issues for youth (Canada-based)
One Sky Center. The American Indian/Alaska Native National Resource Center for Health, Education, and Research; mission is to improve prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use problems and services among Native people.
Presentations and Publications. A number of downloadable resources by topic (addiction treatment, adolescents, crisis care & disaster management, disparity of health services, mental health management, and more).
WeRNative. A comprehensive health resource for Native youth by Native youth, promoting holistic health and positive growth in local communities and nation at large
StrongHearts Native Helpline. The StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is a confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT.
To learn more about National Day of Mourning:
Recognizing Native American Perspectives: Thanksgiving and the National Day of Mourning. Students can analyze a primary source to learn about a Native American’s perspective on the arrival of the Pilgrims and discuss differing viewpoints about the significance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
