Administration for Native Americans (ANA)

ANA Commissioner Patrice H. Kunesh announces the launch of ANA’s Native Language Initiative. In this video, the Commissioner discusses the importance Native Languages play in maintaining a connection to ancestral heritage, understanding unique global viewpoints, preserving cultural identity, and healing from multigenerational trauma.

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) has reached a significant milestone—50 years of investments in Native communities!

The Biden-Harris administration’s U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), recently reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing resources to confront the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) by releasing an updated action plan. This updated action plan reinforces and enhances ACF’s ongoing efforts to prevent violence to Native people and communities by promoting healing from historical trauma and present-day victimization.

Culture is prevention in the MMIP crisis. Connection to one’s culture and community can be a powerful tool in promoting well-being. This video features young Indigenous people in the community of Akwesasne who share how their connection to their culture has contributed to their well-being.

This toolkit is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the historical context and impacts of U.S. Indian boarding schools and provides actionable steps and discussion guides on how to address those impacts in AI/AN communities. Information presented digs into forced assimilation, cultural erasure, and trauma experienced by AI/AN people. Readers should be aware that this material can evoke strong emotional reactions, including sadness, anger, and grief. Please seek support from your community, mental health professionals, or cultural healers as needed.