(Flandreau, SD) — Suicide rates are continuing to rise among Native Americans in South Dakota. That’s according to the Suicide Surveillance Report published by the South Dakota Department of Health. The report says the top five South Dakota counties with the highest rates of suicide are all located on reservations. Shania Yellowback works with the Urban Indian Health and says the reason for the growing rates is linked to identity crisis. Yellowback says many people connect their culture to their identity so when that’s lost, they fall into depression. Officials and community members of the Flandreau Tribe are working together to bring more awareness and to highlight resources that help mental health.
