In a powerful demonstration of community resilience and advocacy, the Yakama Nation Youth Council played a central role in organizing and participating in the Hope for Life Day Suicide Prevention Walk. This event brought together over 500 participants to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Hope for Life Day, recognized across Indian Country on September 10, serves as a national call to action to break the silence around mental health and suicide in Native communities. The Yakama Nation Youth Council embraced this mission by working alongside Tribal School staff, students, and community partners to host an impactful day of healing, connection, and education.
The event included a community-wide awareness walk, a luncheon, and interactive booths led by local organizations and health programs, offering resources, support, and activities that fostered open conversations about mental wellness. The youth council’s leadership and presence underscored the importance of youth voice in addressing these critical issues, while also encouraging their peers to speak up, seek help, and support one another.
By participating in and organizing events like this, the Yakama Nation Youth Council continues to advance the UNITY pillar of Mental Wellness, demonstrating that Indigenous youth are not only the future—but also the healers and leaders of today. Their efforts are creating safer, more supportive environments where conversations about mental health are normalized and lives are valued.