As a result of the impacts of colonization and inequitable policies and practices nationwide, Native Americans and Alaska Natives are more than twice as likely to experience mental health problems than the general population and start to use alcohol and other drugs at younger ages than all other ethnic groups in the U.S. Yet, these cultures have many healing resources, and educators have the powerful ability to increase accurate representation in the classroom which has been proven to promote mental health for those in minority groups.
We are fortunate in Santa Cruz County to have many local resources for indigenous adults and youth to connect to their roots, and for teachers to promote equitable representation to support youth mental health.
Santa Cruz COE Teaching Resources
Comprehensive list of resources for teachers to increase awareness of local indigenous history in the classroom.
Protect Juristac
Common Core-aligned curriculum about local Amah Mutsun history for upper elementary through high school classrooms.
Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT)
AMLT serves not only in the re-learning of history and restoration of indigenous management practices, it also serves as a vehicle for healing of the planet and people.
Ka’m-t’em
This ACEs Aware Supplemental Training utilizes concepts from “Ka’m-t’em: A Journey Toward Healing” to change and save lives by helping providers understand the importance of screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences and training providers to respond with trauma-informed care to mitigate the health impacts of toxic stress for indigenous communities.