Coeur d’Alene Tribe Rites of Passage (Passages) Program

The Justice Department's grant-making components have created a streamlined approach for federally recognized Tribes, Tribal consortia, Alaska Native villages and corporations, as well as authorized tribal designees to apply for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 funding opportunities. The Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) serves as a single solicitation for existing tribal government-specific grant programs administered by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The CTAS solicitation is designed to assist tribes with addressing crime and public safety issues in a comprehensive manner. The CTAS grant-application process was inspired by and developed after consultation with tribal leaders, including sessions at the Justice Department's Tribal Nations Listening Session in 2009, and has been updated based on continued tribal consultations and listening sessions. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides awards under CTAS Purpose Area 9--Tribal Youth Program (TYP) to federally recognized tribes to develop and implement programs that support and enhance Tribal efforts to prevent and control juvenile delinquency and strengthen juvenile justice systems for American Indian/Alaska Native youth.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has three major issues contributing to crime on the reservation: the use, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol; victimization resulting from domestic violence, child abuse and neglect; and juvenile delinquency. Tribal Police report that one in five Tribal youth, ages 12-17, living on the Reservation were arrested in 2016 and 40% are involved in the juvenile probation system. The proposed project will directly address these issues by providing at-risk teens an opportunity to engage in activities that will connect them to their traditions, spirituality and language. Funds will be used to implement Passages, a youth prevention initiative designed to address low self-esteem and spiritual and cultural connection. This initiative will present structured programming allowing youth to tap into resources offering a deeper understanding of their cultural identity. Two evidence-based programs have been selected for implementation as a part of this initiative - Enter the Circle: Preparing Youth to Dance in the Pow-wow Circle, and Daughters of Tradition: The Mentoring of Young Women. The long-term goal is to develop and implement a curriculum that acknowledges values and rites of passage practices that are specific to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The development of this curriculum will result in a permanent Coeur d’Alene Tribe Rites of Passage (Passages) initiative. It will work to bolster youth program services by fostering resilience, strengthening family networks, and increasing opportunities that offer cultural and traditional enrichment.

The Hndesnet Summer Camp will serve as the starting point for Passages. During the Hndesnet Summer Camp, campers, ages 12-17, will take part in several traditional and educational activities specifically planned that will then be supported and addressed through out the school year. This will allow students an insight into the types of enrichment opportunities offered beyond Hndesnet. The initial step in successfully implementing Passages is to enhance collaboration among the Benewah Medical and Wellness Center Tribal Youth Programs and the Cultural Resources Protection Program by hiring a Program Coordinator who will oversee the development and implementation of the Rites of Passage curriculum. In addition, the newly established partnership with the Boys & Girls Club will aid in the expansion of tribal youth programs and provide critical support to the Passages and Tribal Youth Program staff. CA/NCF