The Premiere of
Indigenous State of Mind: A Mental Health Awareness Film
On November 21, the Little Earth Boys & Girls Club premiered Indigenous State of Mind: A Mental Health Awareness Film, a powerful short film created by Club members and staff. The film sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness, amplifies the voices of Indigenous youth, and encourages open conversations about struggles and the need for support.
The premiere was followed by a panel discussion with Club members and community leaders, speaking about the unique mental health challenges faced by Indigenous youth. The panel also addressed cultural and societal barriers that often make it difficult, especially for young men, to openly share about their mental health.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan attended the event and spoke directly to the youth. She emphasized the importance of “taking up space” and using their voices to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Click below to view the short film, directed by Club Alumnus Amerin Chamberlin and Branch Director TJ Valtierra.
This short film was one of BGCTC’s 2024 Changemaker Challenge projects. The Changemaker Challenge is a project that guides participants (a team from each Club) through a think-learn-create process to develop innovative solutions or ideas addressing specific social, environmental, or community issues. Teens are currently working on their 2025 Changemaker Challenge projects, and we are excited to share them with you in the future!
Panel Members Included
Amerin Chamberlin
Film Director and Little Earth Club Alum
Senator Mary Kunesh
Minnesota State Senate
Eythan
Jerry Gamble Club Youth
Daniel Vittera
Counseling Director, Little Earth Residents Association
TJ Valtierra
Film Director and Branch Director,
Little Earth Boys and Girls Club
Moderator
Ceejay Jackson
Senior Branch Director, Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club
Resources in the Little Earth Community
Youth & Family Services:
Little Earth Boys & Girls Club
2495 18th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN
Little Earth Resident’s Association
2495 18th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN
Physical Health:
Urban Ventures
2924 4th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN
Spiritual/Physical Health:
Minneapolis American Indian Center
1530 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis, MN
Native American Community Clinic
1213 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis, MN
Mental/Emotional Health:
Bridging the Gap Behavioral Mental Health
3040 4th Ave S Minneapolis, MN
Catalyst Mental Health
1915 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN