My Roots, My Leaves

The specific problem I am solving is the lack of foundation and access to resources that can help Native people build a strong sense of identity and connection to their selves and culture, which in turn can lead to a range of negative outcomes, such as substance abuse, suicide, and domestic violence.

Suicide is a significant issue in Native American communities, both in the United States and globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates among Native Americans are higher than in any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Native Americans between the ages of 10 and 34, and rates are increasing.

Data from the Indian Health Service (IHS) also highlights the severity of the issue. In 2019, the IHS reported that the suicide rate among American Indian and Alaska Native populations was 1.6 times higher than the national average. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), substance abuse is a significant issue among Native American communities in the United States. Native Americans have higher rates of substance abuse than any other racial or ethnic group in the country.

In 2019, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that Native Americans had the highest rate of substance use disorders compared to other racial and ethnic groups, with 12.5% of Native Americans aged 12 or older having a substance use disorder. The Indian Health Service reports that alcohol-related deaths are 5 times higher for Native Americans than the national average. According to a report by the National Congress of American Indians, Native American communities are disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic, with higher rates of opioid overdoses compared to the general population.

Domestic violence is also a significant issue in Native American communities. According to the National Institute of Justice, Native American women experience higher rates of domestic violence than any other population in the United States. In fact, 84% of Native American women have experienced violence in their lifetime, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Additionally, according to the National Congress of American Indians, Native American women are murdered at a rate of 10 times the national average. 

These issues of substance abuse, suicide, and domestic violence have had a devastating impact on my community. It's not just statistics and numbers, it's personal. I have lost too many loved ones to these issues and continue to see the toll they take on individuals, families, and entire communities. It's what drives me to take action and apply for this fellowship, to create a solution that can make a real difference for my community and beyond.

My solution is to create an app that serves as a "home base" for Native Americans, offering a safe and accessible space for self-discovery and personal growth. The app will hold information to help individuals learn who they are and understand themselves better, with an emphasis on cultural identity and connection to community. It will provide a range of resources, including self-help programs, women's programs, and addiction recovery support. Users can access guided meditations, journal prompts, and other exercises to help them explore their thoughts and emotions. The app will also feature a supportive social network, where users can connect with others who share similar experiences and struggles.

The app won't provide resources directly, but it will connect users to resources closest to them and online. My goal is to bridge the gap between survivors/victims and the help they need. I want to empower individuals to build a foundation of self-love and understanding so that they can avoid turning to vices like suicide, addiction, and abusive relationships.

Users will be able to access resources and be pointed in the right direction to learn cultural stories such as the creation story, their tribe's language, or classes to learn traditional crafts like beadwork, sewing, or planting etc. Additionally, the app will feature a tool for users to keep track of their family tree and their tribe's history, including their journey from their place of origin to their current location. For example, the Mohican and Munsee people originated from the east coast but are now located in Wisconsin. The app would allow users to see that journey on a map within the app.

My solution is to create an app that serves as a 'home base' for Native Americans, providing a safe and accessible space for self-discovery and personal growth. The app will offer resources to help individuals learn about their cultural identity and connect with their community. It will provide a range of programs, including self-help programs, women's programs, and addiction recovery support, along with access to guided meditations, journal prompts, and other exercises to help users explore their thoughts and emotions.

The app will also feature a supportive social network, where users can connect with others who share similar experiences and struggles. While the app won't directly provide resources, it will connect users to resources closest to them and online, bridging the gap between survivors/victims and the help they need.

Users will be pointed in the right direction to learn about their tribe's cultural stories, such as the creation story or their tribe's language, as well as traditional crafts like beadwork, sewing, or planting. Additionally, the app will feature a tool for users to keep track of their family tree and their tribe's history, including their journey from their place of origin to their current location. For example, the Mohican and Munsee people originated from the east coast but are now located in Wisconsin, and the app would allow users to see that journey on a map within the app

The target population for our solution is young Indigenous people in the Stockbridge-Munsee Nation. My goal is to provide a safe and accessible space for self-discovery and personal growth that addresses the unique needs of this community. By offering a range of resources, including self-help programs, women's programs, and addiction recovery support, this app will help young Indigenous people build a solid foundation for themselves and connect with their cultural identity and community.

I am deeply committed to understanding the needs of the young Indigenous people that I am developing this solution for because I was once in their shoes. I struggled with feeling lost and disconnected from my culture and myself, which led me down a path of substance abuse, abusive relationships, and attempted suicides. It wasn't until I took steps to address my own needs that I was able to build a solid foundation for myself and find a sense of purpose and belonging.

To understand their needs, I regularly engage with young people in my community, listening to their struggles and offering support and guidance. I attend youth groups and classes to stay connected with them and create a safe space where they can share their experiences without fear of judgment. Through these interactions, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges that young Indigenous people face and what they need to thrive.

My solution, the Indigenous-centered app, will address the needs of young Indigenous people by providing a safe and accessible space for self-discovery and personal growth. It will offer a range of resources, including self-help programs, women's programs, addiction recovery support, and other culturally relevant content. Users can access guided meditations, journal prompts, and other exercises to help them explore their thoughts and emotions.

The app will also feature a supportive social network, where users can connect with others who share similar experiences and struggles. By providing this platform, we are creating a sense of community and belonging that many young Indigenous people are missing. The app will connect users to resources closest to them and online, including classes to learn traditional crafts and activities that will help them understand their cultural roots.

By offering this comprehensive resource, we aim to help young Indigenous people build a solid foundation of self-love, understanding, and cultural identity, so that they can avoid turning to vices like suicide, addiction, and abusive relationships. In short, our solution is tailored to meet the unique needs of young Indigenous people and will provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

While my initial focus is on this specific community, I do hope that this solution will gain traction and eventually benefit Indigenous communities more broadly. By creating a supportive social network and offering resources to connect users to relevant programs and services, I believe that this app can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young Indigenous people and their communities.

As the sole member of the team, I bring a unique perspective to designing and delivering this solution to the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe, which is my community. I was born and raised here, and have personally experienced the challenges and issues that I aim to address. I understand firsthand what it's like to feel unsupported, to struggle with addiction and mental health issues, and to be affected by domestic violence and suicide.

In addition to my personal experiences, I have also gained valuable knowledge and expertise through several years of working within this community. I have held various positions, starting from working with K-12 students in our afterschool program, where I taught about addiction, mental health, and fun activities and games. I then moved to an advocate position, where I served community members struggling with domestic violence, sexual abuse, low income, and respite care. Most recently, I worked with a non-profit serving all tribes, specifically helping those dealing with domestic violence, sexual abuse, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) survivors and families.

Through my work and personal experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of the needs of our community and the challenges they face. I believe that my proximity to the community, combined with my experiences and knowledge, make me uniquely qualified to lead this project and ensure that it is designed and implemented in a way that meaningfully incorporates the input, ideas, and agendas of the community. And while the work is undoubtedly challenging, I am committed to making a positive impact and improving the lives of those in my community.

I am applying to Solve because I have faced many challenges and struggles throughout my life, which have given me valuable insights but have also created obstacles. As a member of my community, I have a deep understanding of the barriers that my community faces, and I believe that this app could help address these issues.

However, I lack the financial resources to fund the project that I want to create, and I also don't have the technical expertise or knowledge to develop it on my own. In addition, I recognize that there may be legal and market barriers that could pose additional challenges to bringing my idea to fruition but know that Solve can help connect me to a wide network of folks that I can gain knowledge and assistance from.

By applying to Solve, I hope to receive financial, technical, cultural, legal, and market support to overcome these barriers and develop an app that can make a meaningful difference in my community and in the future many other Indigenous communities. I believe that Solve's resources, expertise, and network can help me address the challenges I face and bring my vision to life.

I have a strong personal connection to the community where my project is based. This is where I was born and raised, and where I have spent most of my life. The people here are not just my neighbors or acquaintances - they are my family, my friends, and my tribe. I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that many of them, including myself, face, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide. These issues hit close to home, as many of my loved ones have been affected by them.

Working in various positions, including working with youth and as an advocate for low-income, domestic violence, sexual assault, and respite care individuals, has further reinforced my commitment to making a positive change in my community while also helping me come to the understanding that the kind of change I want to see in my community cannot be achieved by passively working within the existing systems and structures. While I deeply appreciate and respect those who are working tirelessly within these systems, I have come to believe that I need to create something of my own to truly address the challenges my community faces. That is why I am excited to explore the potential of creating a new app through Solve that can make a real difference in the lives of those around me.

I have always dreamed of being a part of programs and systems that address these issues, but now I realize that I am the change. My community is a direct reflection of me, and I am determined to address the challenges they face in any way I can.

My solution is innovative because it tackles a critical issue within my community: the lack of accessible resources for self-discovery, personal growth, and mental health. As someone who has seen firsthand the struggles that many Native Americans face, including myself and my loved ones, I understand the importance of creating a space that provides resources tailored to our unique cultural experiences.

This app will offer a personalized experience by incorporating traditional cultural practices and stories, such as our creation story, language, and traditional crafts like beadwork and sewing. By connecting users to resources closest to them, whether online or in-person, the app will help users navigate and access resources in their local communities, which are often underfunded and understaffed.

The app's tool for tracking family trees and tribe histories is especially important to me, as it will help users connect with their roots and understand their place within their community better. This feature will also be valuable for those of us who have been disconnected from our cultural heritage due to the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma.

The app's supportive social network feature is also innovative. By creating a community of users who share similar experiences and struggles, the app will provide a safe and supportive space for users to connect and find support. As someone who has felt isolated and disconnected from my community at times, I know how important it is to have a community of people who understand your experiences and can offer encouragement and advice.

Overall, my solution takes a holistic approach to mental health and self-discovery, incorporating traditional cultural practices, connecting users to resources, and fostering a supportive community. I believe that this app has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of Native Americans and empower us to build a foundation of self-love and understanding.

My impact goals for the next year and the next five years are ambitious but achievable. In the next year, I aim to launch the app and make it available to as many Native Americans as possible. Specifically, I plan to achieve the following impact goals:

1. Reach a minimum of 5,000 downloads of the app within the first year of its launch.
2. Receive positive feedback and testimonials from at least 75% of users within the first year.
3. Partner with at least five non-profit organizations focused on Native American mental health and well-being to expand the reach of the app.

To achieve these goals, I plan to use a multi-pronged approach, including digital marketing campaigns, targeted outreach to Native American communities and organizations, and leveraging the partnerships I've built over the years to promote the app to potential users.

Looking beyond the first year, my impact goals for the next five years include:

1. Expand the app's reach to at least 50,000 Native Americans across the United States.
2. Create additional features and tools that cater to the unique needs of Native American communities and address emerging mental health issues.
3. Develop partnerships with at least 10 non-profit organizations focused on Native American mental health and well-being to further expand the reach of the app.

To achieve these goals, I plan to continue building relationships with key stakeholders, expanding my team to include experts in mental health and software development, and leveraging technology to improve user engagement and experience.

Overall, I am committed to making a meaningful impact on the mental health and well-being of Native Americans across the United States. By staying focused on these impact goals and working tirelessly to achieve them, I am confident that my solution can make a difference in the lives of many Native Americans.

There is no current progress to track because I am still in the concept stage of my idea but I plan to track progress through quantitative metrics such as the number of people reached, the number of downloads or registrations of the app, the number of active users, the number of resources accessed, the number of social media followers, or the number of positive reviews or feedback received.

I believe that every Indigenous person has a right to know and be sure of who they are, enabling them to reach their highest potential. By creating a safe and accessible space for self-discovery and personal growth through my app, I aim to empower individuals to build a foundation of self-love and understanding. By providing a range of resources, including self-help programs, women's programs, and addiction recovery support, users can explore their thoughts and emotions and connect with others who share similar experiences and struggles. By incorporating traditional cultural practices and stories, the app will offer a unique and personalized experience for Native Americans looking to explore their roots and understand themselves better. By connecting users to resources closest to them, whether online or in-person, my app will help users navigate and access resources in their local communities, which are often underfunded and understaffed. By fostering a supportive community of users who share similar experiences and struggles, my app will provide a safe and supportive space for users to connect and find support. Ultimately, my theory of change is that by empowering Indigenous individuals to know and be sure of who they are, we can work towards a future where Indigenous communities thrive and their members reach their highest potential.

The core technology used would be an app

My approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into my work is to actively seek out and include diverse perspectives, voices, and experiences throughout all stages of the development and implementation of my solution. This includes working with a diverse team of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures and seeking feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders, including members of the indigenous community.

I am committed to ensuring that my solution is inclusive and accessible to all members of the indigenous community, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural background. To achieve this, I will strive to incorporate culturally responsive practices and incorporate traditional cultural practices and knowledge into the app's content.

I will also prioritize equity by ensuring that resources and support are available to all users, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location. This means working to identify and address any barriers to access and actively seeking out partnerships and collaborations with organizations that serve underprivileged communities.

Overall, my approach to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is centered around creating a solution that reflects and honors the diversity and richness of indigenous cultures and ensures that all members of the community have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

My primary focus is on creating social impact and serving our target population of young Indigenous peoples. My business model revolves around providing free access to the mobile app, which offers resources for self-discovery, personal growth, and mental health. The app will be available for download on the App Store and Google Play and will be completely free of charge for users.

The products and services we provide include a range of resources, including self-help programs, women's programs, and addiction recovery support. Users can access guided meditations, journal prompts, and other exercises to help them explore their thoughts and emotions. The app will also feature a supportive social network, where users can connect with others who share similar experiences and struggles.

The revenue model relies on funding from grants, donations, and sponsorships. I plan to actively seek partnerships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors who are aligned with our mission and values. By creating a compelling case for impact and demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach, I aim to secure long-term funding to support the ongoing development and maintenance of the app.

In summary, the business model revolves around providing free access to the mobile app to the target population of Native Americans. The revenue model relies on securing funding from grants, donations, and sponsorships to support the ongoing development and maintenance of the app.

To ensure financial sustainability, I have developed a multi-pronged approach that leverages a variety of funding sources. One key strategy is to actively seek out grants and donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals who share my passion for promoting Native American mental health and wellness. These funds will be crucial for the initial development and launch of the app, as well as for its ongoing maintenance and updates.

In addition, I plan to explore opportunities to sell products and services that are aligned with my mission and values. For example, I will work with Native American artisans and entrepreneurs to source traditional crafts and cultural education materials that promote self-discovery and personal growth. This will not only generate revenue but also support local economies and help preserve Native American cultural heritage.

Another strategy is to seek service contracts with governments and organizations that work with Native American communities to provide mental health and wellness services. The app's ability to connect users with local resources and support systems makes it an ideal tool for these organizations, and I will actively pursue partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Finally, while I may explore the possibility of raising investment capital in the future, my primary goal is to create a sustainable revenue model that allows me to continue providing value to the Native American community without compromising on my mission or values.

I'm still in the planning stage of the app