Ask Your Relative is an online platform designed to support Native youth by offering a question-and-answer service, where a team of educators, public health professionals, and caring adults, answer questions on a wide range of topics related to well-being, culture and identity.

FAQ: We R Native Ask Your Relative: Sexual Health and Healthy Relationships

What is We R Native?

We R Native is a comprehensive, multimedia health resource designed for Native American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) youth, by Native youth. It includes an interactive website, text messaging service, social media accounts, and a YouTube channel. Since its launch in 2011, it has reached millions of users, providing culturally relevant information on various health topics including mental, emotional, physical, sexual, and spiritual health.

What is the Ask Your Relative (AYR) service?

Ask Your Relative (AYR) is a confidential Q&A service offered through We R Native, where AIAN youth and young adults can ask sensitive questions about various health topics. Modeled after the trusted figure of an "Auntie" in tribal communities, AYR provides a safe space for youth to seek advice and information anonymously online. The service provides tailored answers that include video responses, culturally relevant tips, and links to internal and external resources.

What kind of sexual health questions do AIAN youth ask through AYR?

AIAN youth ask a broad range of questions related to sexual health, similar to other teens and young adults. These include questions about STDs, HIV, pregnancy prevention, healthy and unhealthy relationships, sexual identity, and body image. They also seek guidance on navigating relationships, intimacy, peer pressure, consent, and accessing healthcare resources.

What are the main themes identified in the sexual health and healthy relationship AYR questions?

Analysis of the AYR questions revealed three main themes:

• Reaching Out for Help: Youth seek advice and support on personal matters, often related to relationships, abuse, sexual health concerns, and mental health struggles. They are looking for confidential guidance on navigating difficult situations.
• Identity and Physical Development: Questions focus on understanding physical changes during puberty, sexual identity exploration, and seeking reassurance about their bodies and experiences. This reflects a need for age-appropriate and culturally sensitive information on these topics.
• Healthy Relationships: Youth seek advice on building and maintaining healthy relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Questions touch on communication, boundaries, dealing with drama, and recognizing signs of unhealthy or abusive behaviors.

What kind of resources does AYR provide?

AYR responses provide a combination of direct advice, words of encouragement, and links to helpful resources. These resources include:

• Native-specific organizations and programs that cater to the unique needs and cultural context of AIAN youth.
• National hotlines and text messaging services offering 24/7 support on topics such as sexual assault, suicide prevention, and domestic violence.
• General health information websites like Planned Parenthood and the Centers for Disease Control, providing medically accurate information on various sexual health topics.

How does AYR address the unique needs of AIAN youth?

AYR acknowledges the historical and cultural context of AIAN communities. Responses incorporate Indigenous knowledge and worldviews, promoting culturally appropriate guidance and resources. The service also recognizes the impact of colonization on traditional teachings and seeks to bridge the gap by providing accessible information on sensitive topics that may not be readily discussed within families or communities.

Why is We R Native important for AIAN youth?

We R Native, including the AYR service, is crucial for addressing health disparities and promoting well-being among AIAN youth. It offers a safe and inclusive space for youth to seek information, ask sensitive questions, and connect with resources tailored to their needs and cultural background. By providing culturally relevant and accessible information, We R Native empowers AIAN youth to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships.

How can I access the AYR service and other We R Native resources?

You can access the Ask Your Relative service and explore a wealth of information on various health topics by visiting the We R Native website: www.wernative.org. You can also connect with We R Native on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.