Desperate Measures: The Fight to Save a Lifeline for Native American Youth in Nevada

In a heart-wrenching moment, a young girl at Nevada's only shelter for Native American youth discovered she would soon have to leave her safe haven. This emotional revelation brought tears to the eyes of Yvonne Mori, the shelter's director, affectionately known as "Mama Bear" to its residents.

A Heartfelt Offer

The 13-year-old girl, who had made the Stepping Stones Emergency Youth Shelter her home for the fifth time, approached Mori with a profound request. She wished to donate her tribal funds to keep the shelter open, saying, “This is the only place that I feel safe.” However, Mori faced an impossible choice; without sufficient staffing and funding, she had no option but to close the facility.

A Vital Resource at Risk

Established in 1992 and operated by the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, the Stepping Stones Emergency Youth Shelter is one of just a few facilities in the nation dedicated to at-risk tribal children aged four to 18. Unfortunately, this ten-bed shelter is slated for closure in mid-September due to a sudden change in federal funding policies.

The Impact of Funding Cuts

• Funding Issues: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) cut off the shelter's primary funding source last year, declaring that it could no longer be used for staffing or operational costs.
• Community Concerns: Tribal leaders fear that the closure will force children back into unstable family environments or into out-of-state shelters, far from their cultural roots.
• Historical Parallels: Vice Chairman Andrew Hicks of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe expressed concern about repeating historical mistakes, recalling the forced removal of Native American children to boarding schools in the late 1800s.

Voices of the Community

With over a thousand Native American children having passed through its doors, the shelter has become a crucial resource for many families. The community, including social workers and tribal leaders, has rallied in support of the shelter, emphasizing its role in providing safety for vulnerable children.

Calls for Action

In response to the impending closure, the National Congress of American Indians has called for full federal funding to support emergency youth shelters serving Native American children, specifically advocating for the Stepping Stones facility. The tribe has also filed an appeal with the United States Civilian Board of Contract Appeals against the BIA's funding decision, seeking to reverse the agency's stance.

Looking for Solutions

As the shelter faces an uncertain future, tribal leadership is exploring alternative funding sources, even considering the possibility of opening their doors to non-tribal youth to ensure sustainability. “We’re looking for a lifeline right now just to keep the shelter open,” Hicks stated, emphasizing the urgent need for support.

What Do You Think?

• Should federal funding for Native American youth shelters be prioritized over other programs?
• Is it ethical to consider opening the shelter to non-tribal youth for funding purposes?
• What role should the government play in supporting tribal services like the Stepping Stones shelter?
• How can communities better advocate for the needs of vulnerable populations?
• What are the long-term implications of closing such shelters on tribal youth?

This situation poses significant questions about the intersection of funding, community needs, and the protection of vulnerable youth. Your thoughts and opinions could help shape the conversation surrounding this critical issue.