Asniya
Asniya’s mission is to inspire and empower underserved Native American children with medical knowledge and opportunities.
Asniya is a non-profit outreach program that recruits medical students to teach health and medicine to indigenous children. "Asniya interns" deliver dynamic hands-on classroom presentations to captivate children’s interest in medical science, disease prevention, and careers in health care. For more than 25 years Asniya has inspired Native youth while expanding the cultural awareness of future physicians.
Steering more Native American youth towards health science careers

Steering more Native American youth towards health science careers

Asniya implements a culturally relevant health science curriculum that excites and motivates young American Indians and helps propel them toward careers in the health sciences.
Increasing cultural competency of current medical student interns

Increasing cultural competency of current medical student interns

Medical student interns gain insight into different cultures, especially those having deficiencies in health care, and leave with an informed perspective on American Indian culture, education, and healthcare and strong ties to the community.
Developing future health professionals for long-term health improvements

Developing future health professionals for long-term health improvements

Students will return to the reservation as health science professionals and improve the health outcomes for their community.
Guiding towards better health for American Indian communities

Guiding towards better health for American Indian communities

The curriculum includes units on basic medicine and the connection between lifestyle choices and chronic diseases, thus leading to better health outcomes for them and their communities.
Reaching American Indian youth at just the right time

Reaching American Indian youth at just the right time

American Indian youth are exposed to crucial information and options for health science careers at an age when intervention is most likely to inspire and break the cycle of extreme health disparities.
Mentoring to support students interested in health science careers

Mentoring to support students interested in health science careers

Adult mentors in the medical field guide and support each student with a serious interest in the health sciences to develop and implement a pathway to a career.

About

Learn About Asniya

Asniya, meaning “to heal” or “to cure” in the language of the Dakota Sioux
| What is Asniya >>

Our Programs

Help Asniya improve health outcomes for American Indian communities
| See Our Programs >>

Meet the Board

Learn about the members of our Board of Directors
| Meet The Board >>

Background

Disparities

Health problems amongst American Indians are disproportionately higher than the rest of the general population. This disparity contributes to inhibiting economic, educational, and social development. The statistics are shocking. Many American Indians suffer and ultimately die from preventable diseases at alarmingly higher rates. Mental health is no different, with many American Indians disproportionately burdened by substance abuse and mental health issues.

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Science

American Indians are also the single most underrepresented minority in the field of medicine, comprising 1.7% of the total United States population but only 0.05% of our nation’s physicians. Other health care professions, such as nursing, dentistry, and pharmacology, demonstrate a comparable disparity. There are many factors that contribute to this imbalance, deeply rooted in decades of racial inequities and marginalization.

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Mental Health

In the US, the rate of suicide has increased more than 25% over the past 10 years. It presently is the highest in American history. Furthermore, existing research paints a devastating picture of the mental health of American Indian youth, with suicide being the leading cause of death for American Indians aged 10-25. No other ethnic group in the United States experiences such rates of suicide among this age group.

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NEWS

Suicide rates, alcoholism among Lakota tribe

In the midst of economic despair, there are youth across the Pine Ridge Reservation who are breaking through the hopelessness with huge dreams and powerful stories. This clip features one of those youth, Louise Clifford, and shows a glimpse of the hardships she faces, as well as her resilience.

War Pony Trailer #1 (2023)

The 2022 film War Pony follows the lives of two young Lakotan boys on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, exploring coming of age and struggle to overcome poverty and exploitation. You can find the film available for streaming.
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Asniya.org
PO Box 746
Rapid City SD 57709
info@asniya.org

Contact Asniya
"The path to one’s strength, pride, integrity, and wisdom often starts with a vision as a child. Our children may be granted visions in many ways. Often, it is through a teacher with a pure heart."
  • Asniya.org
    PO Box 746
    Rapid City, SD, 57709
    info@asniya.org