Salamatof Youth Services and Education

Salamatof Tribe will develop and implement a culturally based, afterschool, substance use and suicide prevention program for Alaska Native and American Indian youth. The service area will include Kenai, Soldotna, Nikiski, Kasilof, and Sterling for youth ages 6–17 that will address the issues that the Salamatof Tribe has identified as a priority, including the prevention and intervention of vaping, alcohol and substance use, suicide, and mental health. The program will work with local behavioral health clinicians that offer presentations and resources for participants and will work with elders and cultural bearers on storytelling and long-established values, including traditional songs and dances. The program will also implement a physical activity component to the program that includes traditional Alaska Native games, also known as Native Youth Olympic Games (NYO). NYO games and activities will be practiced at least three times per week during the school year. The program will also include a component within the afterschool curriculum that promotes job readiness and vocational and higher education opportunities. The program will offer time for staff to assist with homework and teach study and life skills.