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KFSN: Native American community aims to end stigma around suicide, mental health – September 29, 2023
Picayune Rancheria raises funds at Suicide Awareness Benefit Gala
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Indianz.Com

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians raised more than $15,000 at the tribe’s recent Suicide Awareness Benefit Gala in the Central Valley of California.

The tribe is donating all of the proceeds from the September 30 event to the Fresno American Indian Health Project and the Fresno Veterans Administration Medical Center. A news release said $15,727 was raised.

“All proceeds from the gala will be donated to the Fresno American Indian Health Project and the Fresno Veterans Administration Medical Center to help continue the important work their organizations provide to our Community,” Chairperson Janet K. Bill said in the release.

Janet Bill
Janet Bill serves as Chairperson of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, a federally recognized tribe headquartered in central California. Photo courtesy Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

“Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is committed to doing our part by bringing awareness to an epidemic that plagues our People and raising funds to combat this crisis,” said Bill.

According to the tribe, the suicide rate among Native men almost doubled between 2000 and 2020. The rate among Native women almost tripled during that same time, the release stated.

“Among adults age 18 and older, the prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts was highest among American Indian / Alaskan Native adults,” the National Institutes of Health states, citing data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“Among adults age 18 and older, the prevalence of suicide attempts in the past year was highest among American Indian / Alaskan Native adults,” the NIH said.

The tribe’s gala took place two days after the Fresno American Indian Health Project hosted its annual vigil to provide support and healing for lives lost to suicide. “Our Suicide Vigil last night was a powerful and compassionate space to exchange memories of those lost,” a post on social media read.

The gala was held at the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino in Coarsegold.

News Release: Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians Raises Over $15,000 for Suicide Awareness
FRESNO, California — The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians raised $15,727 at its Suicide Awareness Benefit Gala on Saturday, September 30. All proceeds will benefit Fresno American Indian Health Project and Fresno Veterans Administration Medical Center.

From 2000 to 2020, the national suicide rate among Native American men almost doubled; and the rate among Native American women almost tripled. These staggering increases show a significant need for action. Lack of funding for mental health care services is an ongoing concern in tribal communities. The funds raised at the Suicide Awareness Benefit Gala will directly impact community organizations who are making a difference.

“All proceeds from the gala will be donated to the Fresno American Indian Health Project and the Fresno Veterans Administration Medical Center to help continue the important work their organizations provide to our Community,” said Chairperson Bill. “Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is committed to doing our part by bringing awareness to an epidemic that plagues our People and raising funds to combat this crisis.”

The gala was attended by over 100 individuals at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. The black-tie event included dinner, a silent auction, and a series of impactful guest speakers.

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe that has lived continuously in California’s Central Valley and Sierra Foothills for more than 14,000 years. Today, the Chukchansi Tribe operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino on its ancestral territory in Coarsegold, California. The casino employs over 1,200 individuals making it one of the largest employers in Madera County. For more information on the Chukchansi Tribe, go to: chukchansi-nsn.gov.
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