The Native America Hear Our Voices Arise (NAHOVA) Youth Council of the Nez Perce Tribe stands as a shining example of UNITY’s mission in action. By combining community outreach, cultural preservation, and wellness initiatives, NAHOVA demonstrates how a youth council can make a tangible impact while inspiring new groups to organize and serve their communities.
Leading with Purpose
From its inception, the NAHOVA Youth Council has been committed to addressing the specific needs of the Nez Perce reservation. Guided by the principle of youth-led action, NAHOVA’s activities have brought the community together to heal, learn, and thrive. Their efforts are tailored to address critical issues such as mental health awareness, substance abuse, and cultural identity, aligning closely with UNITY’s creed of fostering balance through spirituality, culture, and wellness.
Keilan Arthur, a NAHOVA member, emphasized the council’s vision: “Our work is about creating spaces where our community feels seen and supported, especially the youth. It’s about healing and building strength together.”
Strengthening the Community Through Outreach
NAHOVA’s initiatives reflect the diverse roles a youth council can play. One of their hallmark events, the Nimiipuu Community Healing Gathering, provided a safe space for addressing the impact of the opioid crisis on their reservation. The gathering not only focused on community education but also fostered spiritual wellness through culturally grounded activities. “This event brought our community together like never before,” noted Abigail Whitman, a key organizer. “It showed that when we share our pain, we can also share our strength.”
In their mental health outreach, NAHOVA distributed over 700 candy bags during Halloween with crisis hotline information and conducted public presentations on suicide prevention and self-care. These efforts demonstrated their commitment to tackling stigmas surrounding mental health and providing tangible resources for those in need.
Fostering Cultural and Social Connection
To promote social wellness, the council organized a family barbecue that brought together more than 500 youth and their families. Events like these not only strengthen family bonds but also serve as platforms to celebrate cultural identity and community pride.
NAHOVA has also spearheaded policies such as the Nez Perce Tribe Mental Health Awareness Policy and contributed to the development of the Nez Perce Tribe Youth Manual. These initiatives ensure long-term benefits by embedding wellness and safety into the fabric of their community programs.
Inspiring Future Leaders
Youth councils like NAHOVA not only solve present challenges but also prepare their members for future leadership roles. Through their activities, NAHOVA board members have gained certifications in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, Narcan administration, and suicide prevention. Their leadership shines in events like the annual Gathering of Native Americans (GONA), where attendees collaborate on solutions to youth challenges in a supportive environment.
Advice for New Youth Councils
For newly forming councils, NAHOVA’s success highlights the importance of grounding activities in the community’s unique needs. Engaging in open dialogue through Talking Circles or similar forums can guide programming and foster trust among members. Additionally, partnerships with local organizations and tribal entities ensure sustainability and greater impact.
As UNITY outlines in its handbook, every youth council shapes its identity based on its community’s needs. NAHOVA exemplifies how these councils can become dynamic agents of change, blending tradition with innovation to improve lives.
Keilan summarized the council’s philosophy succinctly: “The heart of our work is service. If you focus on that, everything else falls into place.”
NAHOVA’s story is a testament to the power of UNITY’s network and the transformative potential of youth leadership. Their model offers a roadmap for new councils seeking to create meaningful change in their communities.