Northern Cheyenne Community Strengthens Efforts in Suicide Prevention and Healing

Chloe Ortega: Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer | April 7th, 2025

Opening address to the audience. Image Credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Public Information Officer & Web Designer

The Northern Cheyenne Reservation is grappling with a rise in suicides that have deeply affected the community. In a society where everyone is connected, the impact of each suicide reverberates across multiple families. Tribal leaders, locals, and community members have expressed their grief, acknowledging that when one person suffers, many others are affected.

In response to the crisis, the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council previously passed Resolution NO. DOI – 009 (2003), declaring a state of emergency. This resolution called for immediate action to address the suicide epidemic, requesting technical assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service to aid in the crisis response. This significant declaration underscored the need for a concerted, coordinated effort to prevent further loss of life on the Reservation.

As part of this response, various Tribal programs, leaders, entities, and community members have come together to collaborate on suicide prevention efforts. Their collective goal is to create both immediate and long-term solutions that will support the mental and emotional health of the community.

In 2024, the Reservation launched the Walk With Us: Suicide Prevention Walk and Gathering, held on Tuesday, September 10th, which brought the community together to raise awareness and foster solidarity in preventing suicide. This event marked a step in building a support network that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and families with the message “You are not Alone”.

Community coming together to participate in the Walk With Us: Walk Out Of Darkness. Image Credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Public Information Officer & Web Designer

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal President Gene Small, the Board of Health program, the Boys & Girls Club, behavioral health counselors, Tribal Council members and other community members gathered on Monday, April 1st, 2025, at Lame Deer High School at 8:00am. The goal was to reach out to the youth most impacted by the recent suicides, offering support and exploring ways to prevent future tragedies. Proactive outreach was a central theme during the meeting, as participants discussed how to ensure youth are regularly asked if they are okay and how adults—such as teachers and counselors—can be more accessible and responsive.

Groups four and three brainstorming ideas. Image Credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Public Information Officer & Web Designer

On Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, another critical meeting took place at 1:00pm at the Little Wolf Capitol Building in the Tribal Chambers. The meeting served as a platform for community members to brainstorm and propose ideas for immediate outreach and long-term prevention strategies. Participants split into four groups ensuring diverse representation, including Tribal leadership, Tribal programs, past outreach staff, community members, and youth.

Through these discussions, a multitude of ideas emerged, many of which reflected shared goals and priorities. Among the shared themes were the need for proactive outreach, building strong relationships between youth and adults, and creating safe spaces for youth to feel heard and supported. The collaboration between community members of different backgrounds helped solidify the vision for an inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to suicide prevention.

Group four representatives presenting ideas that were covered during their conversation. Image Credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Public Information Officer & Web Designer

A significant aspect of the community’s collective approach is the recognition of trauma as a key factor contributing to mental health challenges. Several groups in the community have highlighted the importance of healing the wounds of trauma, addressing underlying issues like abuse, substance use, and family instability. By understanding and addressing these root causes, the community aims to offer more effective and compassionate support to those in need.

Creating safe spaces for youth to express themselves freely, without fear of judgment, is another cornerstone of the ongoing efforts. Whether through physical locations such as schools or informal safe spaces after hours, the community is committed to providing youth with environments where they feel supported and valued.

Group three representative presenting ideas that were talked about in their braintorming session. Image Credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Public Information Officer & Web Designer

A strong consensus has emerged within the community regarding the importance of training. Whether it is QPR (Question, Persuade, Respond) or ASSIST training, community members recognize the need for both adults and youth to be equipped with the tools to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately to those in crisis. Such training is seen as an essential step in creating a consistent and sustainable support system.

Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on peer support. Youth are more likely to reach out to their peers than adults, the breakout groups have empathized the value of peer mentoring and training. The community is working to empower youth by involving them in the creation of solutions, such as creating their own public messages. This involvement ensures that the message of suicide prevention comes directly from youth, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

Group one representative presenting to the audience. Image Credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Public Information Officer & Web Designer

These community-driven efforts reflect the Northern Cheyenne Reservation’s deep commitment to supporting youth and preventing suicide. By engaging a wide range of community members, from youth leaders to Tribal elders, the community is working to create a network of support that is both responsive and sustainable. Moving forward, the community plans to continue its focus on peer support, proactive outreach, consistent training, and cultural sensitivity as part of a long-term commitment to mental and emotional well-being.

As the community continues to respond to this crisis, it remains dedicated to its vision of a united, resilient, and empowered Northern Cheyenne people, where every individual is valued, supported, and given the resources they need to thrive.

The next community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, at the Little Wolf Capitol Building in the Tribal Chambers.