The Adolescent Mental Health Crisis:

Community Spotlight - Indigenous Youth 

Depression and anxiety in young people were already on the rise before the pandemic and levels continue to surge. Join the Aspen Health Innovators Fellowship as we bring together Fellows and experts to explore strategies in response to the adolescent mental health crisis through a five-part dialogue series. This is an opportunity to hear about the latest research and strategies to engage young people with tailored solutions for their identity at a time when mental health providers are at capacity. 

This dialogue, held on April 6 from 3:00-4:00pm EST, will focus on how the adolescent mental health crisis is impacting Indigenous Youth. You'll learn about culturally appropriate solutions from people immersed in the community. 

These events are open to the public. We invite you to join us in exploring how we can support young people.*

Community Spotlight: Indigenous Youth

April 6, 2023 | 3:00-4:00PM EST

Speakers include Bryant Waupoose, Dr. Stephanie FryburgDr. Patricia Nez Henderson, and Ajahrain Yellowhair

Bryant Waupoose serves as Director North America for the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, of which he is an enrolled member. Bryant has dedicated his life to inspiring indigenous youth, both in his community and other indigenous communities across Turtle Island, to live healthy lifestyles through fly fishing and the outdoors. His recent project at Menikanaehkem has been an innovative approach using fly fishing and indigenous concepts to connect youth to creation and promote wellness.

Julisa Lopez is a Social Psychology PhD candidate at the University of Michigan. Her research examines how representations of Native Peoples in society negatively impact the psychological well-being of Natives and perpetuate bias among non-Natives. Julisa orients herself as a research scientist, data warrior and social justice scholar. As she pursues her PhD, she remains highly involved as an organizer in her community and is committed to putting her research into action. 

Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson is Vice President for the Black Hills Center for American Indian Health, an American Indian nonprofit organization established in 1998 to address the myriad health needs of Northern Plains tribes. The first female American Indian graduate of the Yale School of Medicine, her research findings have been presented at several national conferences including the National Institute on Aging, the Resource Center for Minority Aging Research, the Indian Health Services Research Conference, the Association of American Indian Physicians Annual Conference, and the American Public Health Association Annual Conference.

Ajahrain Yellowhair is a young Navajo leader dedicated to advocating for awareness surrounding the four components of health; mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. They are a First generation college student studying political science and Education at the University of Portland. Ajahrain has led a turbulent life dictated by the circumstances they were exposed to and from those life experiences has gained unique insights to trauma and recovery.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Sessions 3-5 will take place from May through July, on Thursday afternoons:

May 11, 2023 | 3:00-4:00PM EST - Community Spotlight: Black Youth, speakers include Dr. Michael LindseyDr. Wizdom Powell, and Dr. Sarah Vinson, moderated by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble

June 1, 2023 at 3:00-4:00PM EST - Community Spotlight: LGBTQ+ Youth, speakers include Dr. Warren NgDr. Carrie Davis, and Dr. Jose Bauermeister

July 13, 2023 at 3:00-4:00PM EST - Community Spotlight: Latinx Youth, speakers include Dr. Carolina Haussman-StabileDr. Kiara Alvarez, and Dr. Lauren Gulbas

*While we encourage anyone interested to attend all sessions, it is not required. Each session has an individual registration form. By registering for this session, you agree to be notified about other sessions in the series and occasionally hear from the Aspen Health Innovators Fellowship on other opportunities. You can opt-out at any time.