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Aug. 6, 2025 |  By: Mark Moran - Public News Service

Private Indigenous business invests in Nebraska youth mental health

According to American Addiction Centers, Native Americans experience high rates of mental health challenges, including mental illness, substance use disorders, and suicide compared to the general population. (Adobe Stock)

According to American Addiction Centers, Native Americans experience high rates of mental health challenges, including mental illness, substance use disorders, and suicide compared to the general population. (Adobe Stock)

A Winnebago nation tribal group in Nebraska has been awarded money, to further youth mentoring and mental health counseling services for young tribal members.

Mental health issues are on the rise among Indigenous people of all ages, but a program called Indigucation seeks to overturn myths, and help young Natives invest in their future.

Winnebago-based Tribal Tea company donated $2,800 toward the youth mentoring program, allowing it to expand services.

Program founder Macky Scott said it offers one-on-one connection to youth suffering from mental health or substance use issues.

"And there's such a high need for therapy and counseling in our communities, but there's also a high need for Native, male providers," said Scott. "So, I always try to think of innovative ways to provide much-needed services."

Scott said he is using the grant money to expand the services Indigucation already provides, with a special emphasis on helping tribal youth understand and cope with culturally-specific issues.

Scott added that Native youth, especially young men, face difficult challenges due to family dynamics they may have faced growing up. He said expanding Indigucation will allow him to focus more directly on those specific issues with young Indigenous males.

"I think a big part of that too, is the inter-generational trauma and historical trauma that Indigenous people faced and went through," said Scott. "Studies are now showing that trauma and the pain that our people went through is actually genetically enwoven into our DNA."

Scott said he will use the money to provide trauma-informed care, cultural reconnection, and emotional regulation services for youth.

This story was brought to us by Mark Moran with the Public News Service.