For centuries, Native Americans have been abused, disrespected, and undervalued here in our society. The unrelenting years of hardship have created a unique set of struggles with mental health for the American Indian community. In this episode, we hear what it’s like to have your culture stripped away and your community deliberately destroyed.

“When you have your identity taken away, and you’re not allowed to practice your culture, it’s a lot harder to deal with stress and other mental health issues.” Ashley Tuomi, Chief Executive Officer of American Indian Health & Family Services and herself a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Oregon, understands firsthand how the history of American policy and on-going racism affects the mental wellbeing of Native Americans.