This May, Grand Portage hosted a two-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshop. The training brought together staff from the Community Center, Health Services, Human Services, and other community members to build life-saving skills for recognizing and responding to individuals at risk of suicide.
Unlike other trainings that focus on scripts or one-size-fits-all language, ASIST emphasized real-world practice through role-playing and discussion. Participants learned how to recognize warning signs, how to engage with someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, and how to create a plan to help keep them safe in the moment.
While the training itself was valuable, Youth Activity Director Julisa Swader said the big impact lies in what it represents: a community choosing to show up, learn hard things, and care for one another. “We were all there for our own reasons, but the main reason was—we care.”
In Native communities where suicide rates are significantly higher—especially among youth—normalizing mental health support is essential. Swader noted that while many people are aware of the risks, it’s still difficult for the community to talk openly about suicide. But efforts like this training are a step toward changing that.
Children’s Mental Health Worker Leslie Olson said that when adults take time to build these skills, it sends a powerful message. “This is reminding [young people] that their community is caring about them in every aspect of their lives,” she said.
The community hopes to see more mental health trainings in the future. Just like CPR or first aid, suicide intervention should be a basic skill—something anyone can learn, talk about, and practice. Normalizing this kind of training helps reduce stigma, increases community awareness, and increases the chances that someone in crisis will get the help they need.
