Tlingit & Haida is excited to announce Brittney Lindstrom as the Tribe’s new Suicide Prevention Manager. This position was created in response to tribal citizens’ requests for an increased response to the Alaska suicide epidemic that our communities have directly experienced. Tlingit & Haida recognizes that each tribal citizen is sacred and suicide affects our citizens of all ages, including our Elders. 

In 2022, American Indian/Alaska Native people were 91% more likely to die by suicide than the U.S. population overall. During 2016–2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among Alaska Native people; a majority of those deaths were teenagers. 

“I want to be a part of making a big change and help our tribal citizens know that we see these numbers and we take it seriously. Our hearts are fully in it,” Brittney said. “Statistics provide direction on how to create change, but these are not numbers to us, they’re community members that should still be with us.” 

Brittney first began with the Community & Behavioral Services (CBS) Healing Center as a Case Manager. After several recent tragedies on Prince of Wales Island, Brittney responded to the Hydaburg school where she worked with other providers and community members to support students and staff. “That trip truly opened my heart and desire to bring more to my Tribe. This is a topic that I have lived experience in and am grateful every day that Spirit knew my purpose of finding my light to help guide others back to theirs,” Brittney said. 

Brittney’s work is grounded in connection, collaboration, and community. In her new role, Brittney will create and deliver culturally affirming programming that focuses on suicide prevention, build relationships with communities throughout Southeast Alaska and Washington, and foster connections in local schools to meet tribal citizens where they are. 

Brittney will continue partnership with Careline Alaska, the 988 Emergency Hotline provider, and assist in developing relationships with Washington 988 providers. 988 is a free service, available 24/7/365 nationwide, via phone call or texting, for people needing someone to talk to. You can be confident that the Tlingit & Haida CBS Healing Center team is working directly with these 988 providers to ensure quality hotline services for our tribal citizens. 

During her work in communities, Brittney was constantly taking notes, watching and listening to what tribal citizens were asking for and in need of during their time of grieving. 

 “Something that has sat with me most from the feedback I received was, ‘we have gotten really good at celebrating death, but we need more reasons to celebrate life’,” she said. “This is a program to save lives.” 

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to Careline, Alaska’s statewide suicide prevention and crisis support hotline. Available 24/7 and 365 days a year. Call or text 988.