Australian First Nations leaders visit Washington to learn more about the Native & Strong Lifeline
Washington’s crisis line for Native people is just 2 years old, but other states and countries have noticed its success
The Native & Strong Lifeline celebrated its second anniversary in November 2024. This crisis line is a unique subnetwork of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that serves all Tribal-affiliated people in Washington. This includes American Indians, Alaska Natives, Urban Indians, First Nations, enrolled Tribal members, and unenrolled descendants.
This line provides support for people experiencing mental health crises, thoughts of suicide, substance use concerns, or any type of emotional distress. People supporting loved ones in crisis can also get support. This line is fully staffed by Tribal crisis counselors, who share their Tribal affiliation when answering a call.
“It’s so important to have our own people answering these calls because we understand as Tribal people that we have shared values, lived experiences and connectedness in living in relation to one another,” said Kathy Pierre, Equity & Social Justice Strategist for Tribal Relations at the Department of Health.
The Native & Strong Lifeline is only available in Washington, but other states have shown interest in using the program as a model to create similar crisis lines. There’s also been interest from outside the United States.
You can reach the Native & Strong Lifeline by calling 988 and pressing 4. If your phone gets service from Verizon or T-Mobile, you can call from anywhere in Washington. If you get service from another carrier, you’ll need to call 988 from a phone with a Washington area code.
A visit from Australian First Nations leaders
On December 5, 2024, 5 Australian First Nations leaders visited Washington as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. These leaders included Caleb Adams, James Blackwell, Renee Cremer, Chantal McMahon, and Taliah Payne. Their visit was hosted by the World Affairs Council.
“This program provided exchange participants with insight into how community action in the U.S. fosters social inclusion and equity for marginalized communities, including through mental health initiatives. It also addresses the lack of constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Nations people,” said Rhiannon Rasaretnam, World Affairs Council program officer.
As part of the program, visiting leaders joined in discussions on how resources like the Native & Strong Lifeline were developed by and for Tribal people to uphold self-determination of Native Americans and Indigenous communities. Self-determination is a person’s ability to take control of their own life, choices, and actions. Leaders also had the chance to learn more about the ways Indigenous nations engage with government agencies to support their communities.
The Australian First Nations leaders were particularly interested in learning about Washington’s Native & Strong Lifeline and meeting with Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW). This 988 Lifeline crisis center operates the Native & Strong Lifeline.
They joined Washington Tribal leaders, Department of Health (DOH) staff, members of the American Indian Health Commission, and representatives from VOAWW, including Native & Strong Lifeline staff, for an information session in Everett.
This session shared information about Washington’s mental health crisis services. It also highlighted the essential role of the Native & Strong Lifeline in crisis care for Indigenous people in Washington.
“The opportunity to meet with the dedicated and inspiring team behind the Native & Strong Lifeline highlighted our state’s innovative and collaborative approach to supporting Native people,” Rasaretnam said.
“The event also served to strengthen global connections within First Nations communities and emphasize the power of citizen diplomacy. The World Affairs Council looks forward to future collaborations with the Department of Health to advance the exchange of ideas between Washington state and nations around the world,” she added.
Why the Native & Strong Lifeline matters
Native & Strong Lifeline crisis counselors provide support grounded in Native cultures and traditions. People who reach out can get support from someone who have shared lived experiences and recognize what they’re dealing with.
In just 2 years, the Native & Strong Lifeline has had a major community impact, and calls to the line continue to increase. Between January and November 2024, the line answered 6,124 calls. This is over 1,500 more calls than the total number of calls answered in 2023.
“Sharing about our work is always important to us because we know how impactful each call can be and how culture is everything when someone is searching for resources and support,” said Amanda WhiteCrane, Director of Tribal Services at VOAWW.
“We meet everyone where they are and make sure they’re safe. We see them as relatives in need of connection and belonging, calling in on what may be one of their worst days. This is something all of us on the line can identify with, and that’s why it’s empowering,” WhiteCrane said.
People who call the Native & Strong Lifeline can also learn more about the Native Resource Hub, which helps people get additional resources and support in their community. Crisis counselors can connect callers to the Native Resource Hub.
Right now, the Native & Strong Lifeline is only available to people who call 988 and press 4. The line will begin offering chat and text services in spring 2025.
