The Intergenerational Native Understanding and Abundance Program (IÑUA) was created in 2020 to promote culturally relevant wellness and suicide prevention in the Bering Straits region. IÑUA means ‘spirit’ in Inupiaq and our goal is to help our communities empower their inua by providing resources and activities to end suicide.

If you would like more information, would like a suicide prevention training, or would like to set up a wellness event for your community, please contact:

IÑUA Prevention Planner, Kira Eckenweiler                                      IÑUA Outreach Coordinator, Carol Seppilu
907.434.6194                                                           or                                 907.434.0227
                                                                   

Do you have an upcoming community event? Enter it into our calendar here.

IÑUA offers training opportunities. If your community, entity, or yourself would like to be trained in the following, please do not hesitate to call or email us!:

Strengthening Relationships
This training was created by the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association. This training provides individuals the knowledge and skills through a 14-session program that assists fathers, mothers, and families in enhancing their capacity to promote strong, healthy, and positive relationships (i.e. marriage, families, friendships, etc.). Building relationships is an important key to success in all aspects of our lives.  Some of life’s greatest happiness and greatest sorrow come from relationships we have with others in our families and communities.

Youth Mental Health First Aid. 
This is a program managed, operated, and disseminated by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Missouri Department of Mental Health. Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. Learners will receive their training as an 8-hour Instructor-led, in-person course.