American Indian and Alaska Native communities possess tremendous strength and resilience despite the historical trauma they have endured, which includes violence, displacement, and forced assimilation. These factors are still ongoing and have contributed to collective experiences of intergenerational trauma. The trauma of being disconnected from their Tribal roots has contributed to the mental health, substance use, and domestic violence issues still of concern among many American Indian communities. Find resources in this section to engage Native American families around health and well-being.
- Engaging families: Mental health
- Engaging families affected by substance use
- Engaging families affected by domestic violence
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN): Tribal Affairs
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Behavioral Health
Focuses on behavioral and mental health and substance use issues facing American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The website features resources, data, reports, ways to get help, and more.
Considerations and Strategies for Engaging Tribes and Tribal Families
Capacity Building Center for States & Capacity Building Center for Tribes (2019)
Children's Bureau Express, 20(7)
Presents information for child welfare workers on engaging with Tribes and Tribal families. The article offers information on historical relationships, culture and tradition, tips to prepare staff, and additional resources.
Engaging Native Families [Video]
Capacity Building Center for Tribes (2021)
Shares a video featuring a discussion on trauma-informed engagement and approaches to working with American Indian and Alaska Native children and families.
Engaging the Strength of Family to Promote Lifelong Health: Lessons From the First Americans (PDF - 963 KB)
Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, Native American Fatherhood and Families Association, & Casey Family Programs (2017)
Explores evidence-based practices and promising strategies being used to overcome health disparities in Native American communities. The resource explores how culture promotes health and resilience, engaging families, strengthening relationships, and more.
Tribal Best Practices for Family Engagement Toolkit (PDF - 8,935 KB)
National Indian Child Welfare Association (2020)
Shares best practices for engaging American Indian and Alaska Native families and reviews history’s impact on Tribes, a model for case planning, examples of family engagement, engagement strategies, and more.
Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Supports Tribal practices that build resiliency and connections to family and culture to promote wellness.