As part of its focus to spread messages of hope and healing throughout some of California’s most vulnerable communities, the Office of the California Surgeon General’s Live Beyond ACEs Campaign partnered with Native communities to increase awareness about ACEs, toxic stress, and cultural healing practices.

Through a partnership with The Social Changery, Native Youth Ambassadors Angelina Hinojosa, Jasmine Kingston, Love Duncan, and Paul Steele helped to re-design various Live Beyond Materials to better resonate with Native youth. (Stay tuned to meet the native youth designer, Nathan Lomayesva in an upcoming newsletter!) The revamped materials include, a Spotify playlist featuring Native artists, a booklist featuring Native authors, new stickers and stress busters emphasizing herbalism as a form of cultural healing.

Additionally, the campaign brought messages of hope and healing to youth at various Native events starting with The National Indian Education Association Convention, which took place in Palm Springs. The October event included more than 2,000 Native educators, students, tribal leaders, and advocates joining together with representatives from school districts, colleges, health centers, and more. It was also the first time the Live Beyond Campaign debuted its new indigenized Live Beyond campaign materials.

During Native American Heritage Month, the team also attended the Next Gen Tribal Youth Leadership Conference (Next Gen). Hosted by Native Dad’s Network, Next Gen was planned by and for Native youth.

It even featured some star power with a keynote from the star of Marvel’s Echo, Alaqua Cox. Alaqua not only shared about the joy she had when she was cast in the Marvel Universe, but the struggles she had filming away from home and losing her father before her show premiered. By sharing her own experiences, she encouraged others to live beyond their own struggles and always reach out for help when they need it.

For youth onsite, Live Beyond shared printed materials and the Campaign’s Native Youth Ambassadors hosted two breakout sessions. The first was a workshop going deeper into healing from ACEs, with a focus on creating your own stress busting plan. The second was an herbalism table in the healing village.

Reaching youth specifically ages 16-25 in California has been a priority for the Live Beyond campaign since its launch in May of 2024. Thanks to the crucial support from the Native Youth Ambassadors, these recent and ongoing efforts has enabled the campaign to maximize its reach and impact for Native communities.

To learn more about the campaign and download the new resources, please visit livebeyondca.org.