All too often, discussions about system reform and the youth mental health crisis tend to overlook the specific needs and experiences of Native and Indigenous communities. Today’s episode of Speak Our Minds features Dr. Terri Bissonette, Gnoozhekaaning Anishinaabe, a seasoned educator, independent consultant, and the former Founder and School Leader of the American Indian Academy of Denver (AIAD). Terri shares her insights into the unique needs of Native American students, highlighting the profound impact of intergenerational trauma on their mental health. She also delves into how we can design and reform systems to better support and uplift Native and Indigenous youth, ensuring they receive the culturally responsive care and education they deserve. Whether you’re an educator, mental health professional, or advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights that will empower you to take meaningful action in your work. To hear how you can be part of the movement to create systems that truly serve Indigenous communities, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Terri, her tribal affiliations, and the important educational work she does.
• What motivated her to establish AIAD to address the unique needs of Native students.
• The impact of historical trauma on the mental health of Native American youth.
• Insight into the behavioral mental health intervention and support system Terri created.
• How trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples was passed down through generations.
• The brutal legacy of Native American boarding schools in the United States.
• Mental health support services available to Native and Indigenous communities.
• Why access to resources and cultural training for providers is critically important.
• What goes into “indigenizing” mental health support for kids and families.
• Ensuring the systems we reform or build meet the needs of Native and Indigenous youth.
• If it’s about us, we need to be in the room: reasons that representation is essential.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Terri Bissonette on LinkedIn

Denver Indian Health and Family Services (DIHFS)

Native Connections

Native American Counseling & Healing Collective

National Indian Education Association

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield