Native Connections Community Wellness Advocate

The MHA Nation EMHC Native Connections program is a community‑driven initiative focused on suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and healing from historical and intergenerational trauma among Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) youth and families on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Rooted in cultural teachings and community strengths, the program integrates trauma‑informed, culturally grounded approaches that honor identity, belonging, and resilience. Native Connections expands access to prevention & early‑intervention supports through culturally based healing circles, grief and loss support, youth & family education, and coalition‑building across schools, health, behavioral health, and community partners.

The program emphasizes upstream prevention by strengthening protective factors such as cultural connection, positive relationships, coping skills, and community belonging. Core activities include QPR suicide prevention trainings, Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) events, youth leadership development, and cross‑sector collaboration to reduce stigma and improve pathways to care. Guided by EMHC’s mission to provide safe, respectful, & compassionate care, Native Connections works to “strengthen the circle