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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2001

In two series being published in parallel in The Lincoln Journal Star and The Billings Gazette, Native journalist Jodi Rave is tackling suicide and mental health in Indian Country.

Native youth have extremely high rates of suicide and suicide attempts, according to federal statistics. Suicide remains the largest killer of Indian males ages 15-24 while about 20 percent of Indian girls have attempted suicide.

Rave looks back historically at suicide and its ties to colonization. She also looks at some of its current causes, such as alcoholism and drug use, by talking with a suicide survivor and recounting the stories of those who succeeded.

The responses Indian communities have had to suicide are part of the series' focus. Providing traditional healing and other services is a key componnent.

The series runs for three days.

Get the Story:
Woman came close to becoming statistic (The Billings Gazette 11/26)
Indian boy’s suicide leaves lasting marks (The Billings Gazette 11/26)
Native youths: A struggle for hope, life (The Lincoln Journal Star 11/26)
Couple provide refuge for Native children (The Lincoln Journal Star 11/26)
Teaming up to help children (The Lincoln Journal Star 11/26)
Chippewa team focuses on crucial time (The Lincoln Journal Star 11/25)