April 21–25 – Every Kid Healthy Week

Native communities face unique challenges when it comes to children's health and well-being. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children are more than twice as likely to live in high-poverty neighborhoods compared to their peers nationwide—21% versus 8%. Furthermore, over 42% of AI/AN children live in families where neither parent has secure, full-time employment, significantly higher than the national average of 26%. These socioeconomic disparities contribute to poorer health outcomes. For example, nearly one in three AI/AN children lives in poverty, a figure that in some reservation communities is even higher. These economic hardships are closely linked to increased rates of physical, mental, and social health inequities.

Every Kid Healthy Week, established in 2013 by Action for Healthy Kids, is a national initiative aimed at promoting the health and wellness of children across the United States. Observed during the last full week of April, the 2025 observance will take place from April 21 to April 25. This week emphasizes the vital link between health and academic success—recognizing that healthy children are better prepared to thrive both academically and socially.

Each day of the week is themed to spotlight a specific aspect of wellness and to encourage schools and families to participate in activities that support the holistic health of children. Themes might include:

• Mindful Monday – mental health and emotional well-being

• Tasty Tuesday – nutrition and healthy eating habits

• Wellness Wednesday – physical activity and fitness

• Thoughtful Thursday – social-emotional learning and kindness

• Family Friday – family and community engagement in wellness

Resources for Native Youth from Native-Led Organizations

Effectively addressing the health disparities facing Native youth requires culturally responsive, community-driven programs. Several Native-led organizations are deeply committed to the health and well-being of Native children and teens:

• Indian Health Service (IHS) – Through its Youth Programs, IHS offers targeted services including behavioral health support, substance abuse prevention, sexual health education, and youth leadership development—all delivered with a focus on accessibility in Native communities.

• We R Native – A multimedia health resource created by Native youth, for Native youth, We R Native is a dynamic platform supported by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. It offers resources on mental health, relationships, identity, and more, blending humor, storytelling, and tradition to engage Native youth authentically.

• Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) – Housed at the Aspen Institute, CNAY advocates for Native youth across the country, offering programs, fellowships, and policy work centered on safety, mental health, education, and leadership.

• National Indian Health Board (NIHB) – NIHB provides public health tools, policy advocacy, and technical assistance tailored to Tribal health priorities. Their youth-focused efforts include support for school-based health initiatives and culturally appropriate wellness education.

• Native Wellness Institute (NWI) – NWI promotes healing and balance through programs rooted in traditional knowledge. Their youth leadership camps, wellness workshops, and community trainings help young people reconnect with cultural teachings to build confidence, resilience, and health.

Incorporating Every Kid Healthy Week in Native Communities

Every Kid Healthy Week presents a meaningful opportunity for Native communities to celebrate health and well-being through a culturally grounded lens. By adapting the week’s daily themes to include Native traditions and practices, families, schools, and Tribal organizations can create powerful experiences for children. Here are some ideas:

• Mindful Monday: Introduce traditional mindfulness practices—such as storytelling, smudging, or drumming circles—to support mental health and emotional balance.

• Tasty Tuesday: Involve children in preparing traditional Native dishes, highlighting the nutritional and cultural significance of Indigenous foods.

• Wellness Wednesday: Host group activities featuring traditional games or dances to promote movement and connection to heritage.

• Thoughtful Thursday: Facilitate conversations on cultural identity and values to build self-esteem and pride in one’s heritage.

• Family Friday: Plan community events like wellness fairs, nature walks, or intergenerational gatherings to encourage family involvement in health and wellness.

By integrating Every Kid Healthy Week with cultural traditions and leveraging the expertise of Native-led organizations, communities can foster an environment where Native children are empowered to thrive—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.