Hoonah Indian Association Navigators Program

The Hoonah Indian Association (HIA) is a federally recognized tribe located in Hoonah, Alaska.  The focus of purpose area 9 is to address juvenile delinquency through prevention, early intervention, strengthening cultural connections, decreasing risky behaviors, increasing protective factors, and creating a sense of belongingness. The HIA intends to utilize the Navigators Model that has shown great success in the neighboring community of Juneau, Alaska, which was created by the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, who will be a critical strategic partner in this project. The population to be served are Native Hoonah youth ages 10-17, with specific emphasis on early intervention and prevention ages 10-14. To carry out grant goals and objectives, HIA will partner with the City of Hoonah and Hoonah Youth Center to accommodate group activities and meetings. The HIA will form a Juvenile Justice Committee whose sole purpose is to guide the development of the program and curriculum in addition to providing a Youth Coordinator who will implement the Navigators Program, coordinate referrals, complete youth intake, monitor progress, and recommend further prevention and intervention strategies should a more intensive approach be warranted. The Hoonah Indian Association is currently creating a Hoonah Tribal Court and through this project, the Navigators Program will be a primary element that will be integrated into the Hoonah Indian Association’s Judicial Branch focusing on Juvenile Justice, Diversion Programs, and Restorative Justice.