Cheesh'na Tribal Council Youth Program

Part of the Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative, a joint initiative of DOJ and the U.S. Department of the Interior to improve law enforcement and the administration of criminal and juvenile justice in Indian country, OJJDP's Tribal Youth Program (TYP) supports and enhances tribal efforts to prevent and control delinquency and strengthen the juvenile justice system for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth. This program is authorized by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended and the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. 111-8.

The Cheesh'na Tribal Council serves a population of 54 in Chistochina, Alaska. This project will develop and pilot a culturally appropriate character education program to reduce and/or prevent delinquency among tribal youth. As a primary prevention strategy, the program will provide a k-6 school based curriculum that incorporates cultural values in decision-making. The purpose is to provide tribal youth with cognitive tools and skills for making healthy choices to reduce/prevent delinquent behavior. Culturally appropriate after school and summer activities will be provided to reinforce curriculum lessons and provide opportunities for tribal youth to practice new skills. Outreach to parents will be provided to enlist their assistance in teaching and reinforcing the curriculum at home. Tribal youth in grades 7-12 will acquire the same character education classes through teaching the curriculum and assisting in providing culturally appropriate activities with k-6 tribal youth. CA/NCF