February, 2019
See an Unhealthy Relationship? Say something.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Response Circles, We R Native, Stronghearts and Skybear Media partnered to produce a PSA on healthy relationships.
In the spirit of awareness, we want to draw your attention to three statistics: 1) one in five tweens knows a victim of dating violence, 2) only 33% of teens who were in a violent relationship ever told anyone about the abuse, and 3) 81% of parents believe teen-dating violence is not an issue. Please don’t feel powerless. If you know someone in need of support, we encourage you to contact one of the following resources:

  • Rainn is the Nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and you can reach them at 1.800.656.Hope (4673) - www.Rainn.org
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline is a safe, confidential and anonymous helpline for Native Americans affected by domestic violence and dating violence and you can call 1.844.7NATIVE (62.8483) and get help M-F from 9AM – 5:30PM CST - www.strongheartshelpline.org
  • Love Is is a teen dating violence hotline. To get in touch with someone, text “loveis” to 22522 or call 1.866.331.9474 - www.loveisrespect.org

Not one but TWO Contests for Youth!
NonVerbal Communication

To highlight Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month this February, We R Native is hosting a contest this month for youth 15-24 years old. What is your favorite nonverbal way to show affection to someone you care about?

Instagram Photo Contest
For another opportunity check out the partnership between Native
Love, the Stronghearts Native Helpline and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women. Together they launched the #HealthyNativeLoveIS photo contest on Instagram!
SIGN ON!
Declare October 1 as Tillie Black Bear 'Women Are Sacred Day'
Tillie Black Bear (Sicangu Lakota), Wa Wokiye Win (Woman Who Helps Everyone) gave hope and healing to generations of Native Americans and aspiring allies by participating in the initial organizing of the Violence Against Women Movement on a national level to change laws and policies at the root of these injustices and disparities. She inspired thousands from all walks of life to end domestic and sexual violence. We will celebrate her life with a National Day to honor her life and life’s work. We call on all those concerned for the safety of Native women to join this effort!
Love is in the Air
Host a Native VOICES Movie Night!
Native VOICES is a 23-minute video, designed to encourage condom use and HIV/STI testing among heterosexual and LGBTQ American Indian teens and young adults. The video shows Native role models in situations youth can relate to, and demonstrates how to negotiate condom use with a partner and talk with partners about sexually transmitted infections.
Step 1: Schedule the Community Center
Step 2: Send out an Invite
Step 3: Check your AV set-up
Step 4: Pass out the popcorn
Step 5: Show the Movie

Are you in Alaska? Show Safe in the Village instead.

If you'd like to facilitate an inter-generational conversation about either video, Facilitator's Manuals are available at: www.healthynativeyouth.org
In Alaska?
The mission of iknowmine is to provide accurate health information that Alaska Native youth can use to shape their own health. iknowmine is run by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.

Take a look around, they cover: STDs, pregnancy, nutrition, identity, dating violence, and much more. And they're Social!



Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iknowmine
Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/iknowmine

Sign up for Text Messages: Text SexEdAK to 97779 and receive two sexual health text messages per week for 12 weeks.
Coming Next Month
HIV Awareness, Mental Health Month & Traditional Foods
March 20, 2019 marks the eleventh annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day . This day is an opportunity for Native people and others to create a greater awareness of the risks of HIV/AIDS to their communities; to remember those who have passed; to acknowledge those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS; to call for increased resources for testing; and to seek support for increasing treatment and care options.

Click here for education and resources.

Our Traditional Foods can nourish our bodies and keep us healthy. In March, we will be taking a closer look at how nutrition plays a role in our health. Jessica Gokey (Ojibwe), strives to keep her traditions alive through beadwork. This image showcases Native foods beaded onto a table accent. How do you honor your First Foods?
Connect with us