The Coalition

The Purpose & Vision of the Culture Forward Coalition

We are a grassroots coalition of people and organizations working together to promote  life affirming programming grounded in tribal cultural and community strengths. To support the respectful use of the wisdom and practices of indigenous cultures in healing and the prevention of suicide, share ideas for better outcomes, and uplift organizations doing work in Indian Country to persevere in their mission to bring positive change. 

Culture Forward is the wisdom that drives our coalition.  It means, using Culture to move us (communities)  Forward, focusing on Indigenous ways of knowing as the foundation for high risk youth behavior and related factors such as the prevention of suicide and substance misuse and abuse.

We use our coalition voice to…

• Raise awareness about using culture to prevent suicide
• Champion local tribal communities in identifying outcomes as defined by the community and what is important to them. 

We call for action towards…

• Supporting, using, replicating, and adapting effective cultural practices
• Remembering those who died by suicide as we mourn the loss of their lives
• As well as, stand in solidarity and healing with their family members and community
• And, raise awareness of the signs of suicide to prevent further loss of life 

We use our network to…

• Uplift and honor local tribal programs using cultural practices effectively, demonstrating positive outcomes as defined by the local community. 
• Foster American Indian and Alaska Native young leaders

We are a strengths-based coalition that supports and empowers one another!