A #Justice4Ashlea sign is seen at a vigil for Ashlea Aldrich at the Lincoln Indian Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, on January 11, 2020. Authorities continue to investigate the death of the 29-year-old Native woman. Photo by Kevin Abourezk

The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska declared a state of emergency last week following three suicides and several suicide attempts among its youth over the past few weeks.

The tribal council issued the resolution last Tuesday, vowing to direct tribal resources toward addressing suicide, methamphetamine use and domestic violence.

“The Omaha Tribe is under immediate risk to health, wellbeing and life that requires urgent intervention to prevent worsening of the situation,” the tribal resolution said.

The resolution called for the state of emergency to last until April 18, at which time a comprehensive plan to address the crisis would be presented. The tribe also planned to seek state and federal aid to address the crisis.

“We make a call out to all our spiritual leaders for prayers for our people,” the resolution said. Read more by clicking here:Justice 4 Ashlea