Seeding Sovereignty's Medicine Wheels is a community-based mutual aid, mental health and creative arts initiative by and for Indigenous youths who face extreme social and resource isolation, high rates of substance abuse, and epidemic rates of depression and suicide. Our participatory youth program pays Indigenous youth leaders, distributes free skateboard gear and food at monthly events, and empowers, heals, and teaches new skills to build confidence, community and dreams of a better future.

Challenge

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota faces chronic high rates of human and drug trafficking, violence, and land decimation leaving our youths with little hope. Native youths and young LGBTQ2S2S+ people have little to no resources, safe spaces or healing or job opportunities. Substance abuse, depression, suicide rates are critically high.

Long-Term Impact

Medicine Wheels meets young people where they are and provides essential, life-saving support by investing in young people, supporting Indigenous youth leadership, and celebrating artistic abilities and full expression of LGBTQIA2S+ for acceptance and community. Indigenous youths get their own new gear to continue to roll and find joy and experience and explore healthy alternative interests. Our goal is to seed more Medicine Wheels Youth Leader Initiative communities together to save more lives!

References

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