“When we choose the good life, we’re living well, not just for ourselves, but for those seven generations from now.”
– James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw
The journey to mino bimaadiziwin starts with you.
The Anishinaabe emphasize the importance of living in harmony with all of our relatives, respecting our elders and ancestors, and maintaining strong connections within our community.
SPRING is committed to help encourage our people to stay on this path of a good life. We address the risks of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and the misuse and abuse of prescription medications, while providing cultural and traditional teachings to empower our brothers and sisters.
Some of the Ways We Make a Difference
In-School Talking Circles
We offer in-school talking circles to ensure that our tribal youth have a safe place to talk and learn about cultural and risky behaviors. *With participating schools in the tri-county area*
Baagadowewin “Woodland Lacrosse”
Games are hosted all throughout the year to keep its origin story alive, promote community connection, and provide a fun alternative to risky behaviors.
Cultural Teachings
Various forms of teachings are held year-round to strengthen one’s traditional knowledge and to increase confidence with one’s Indigenous identity.
Jiimaan Journey
A summer camp collaboration between LTBB Departments to keep the traditional means of travel alive and respected within the community.
Drum Making & Lessons
Drums hold significant importance within our community. Learning and making a drum increases the connection to the Creator and all of our relatives.
Youth Summer Program
Open to ages 9 to 20 years old, this space educates our youth on the dangers of risky behaviors and provides the tools and resources to make positive choices.
Meet Our Staff
Angie Woodin, MSW, M.ED, MSS
Curriculum Coordinator
231-242-1649
Angie is the heart of the team. She has been with SPRING for many years and continues to spread her wealth of knowledge amongst her colleagues and our people. Angie truly enjoys helping her community, both elder and youth.
Robert “RJ” Smith
Youth Outreach Specialist
231-242-1648
RJ works with our youth to connect them to our culture and traditions through baagadowewin, talking circles, teachings, drum practice, and so much more. These help our youth gain the tools to guide them to stay on the path of mino bimaadzaawin.
Jade Barnes
Youth Activities Organizer
231-242-1641
Jade recently joined the team. She enjoys working alongside RJ to keep our youth on the path of mino bimaadzaawin. In her downtime, she works on maintaining the SPRING schedule, social media, and digital messages.
Angeline Roberts
Community Health Grant Coordinator
231-242-1710
Angeline’s position ensures that SPRING’s activities are compliant and meet grant objectives. She is a hardworking, “behind the scenes” employee who helps keep our program running.
Mindy Taylor
Community Health Manager
231-242-1606
As part of her managerial duties, Mindy is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the SPRING program. She enjoys being involved with the programs and services that support our community in their path to wellness.
Connect with Us!
1260 Ajijaak Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770
231-242-1700, option 5
SpringGrant@ltbbodawa-nsn.gov
Our Social Media is under construction and expanding! Check out our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
The agencies who keep us running
We are so very grateful for the grants, mentioned below, that fund our program. Without them, we would not be here today.
- SAMSHA: Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success #1H79SP081753
- SAMSHA: Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs #5H79SP082767
- IHS, Suicide Abuse and Suicide Prevention: Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention #BH22IHS0006-01-00
And the partners who help us transform lives
Fellow LTBB Programs and Tribal Businesses have given their time and support to help us guide our community to find mino bimaadziwin.
- Elders of the Community
- Waaniigaanzijik Youth Services
- Niigaandiwin Education Department
- Indigenous STEAM
- Mnozhiyaa Community Health
- Ziibimijwang Farm
- LTBB Behavioral Health
- Natural Resources Department
- Language Department
- Tribal Law Enforcement
Crisis Resources
FREE, 24/7, and Confidential
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911
TEXT: NATIVE to 741741
CHAT: www.crisistextline.org
WHATSAPP: Crisis Text Line (verified green checkmark)
Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ Youth
TEXT: START to 678678
CALL: 1-866-488-7386
Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline
CALL: 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)
Hotline run by Trans People for Trans and questioning peers
CALL: 1-877-565-8860
Information, Support, and Advocacy about Romantic Relationships (Ages 13-26)
TEXT: LOVEIS to 22522
CALL: 1-866-331-9474
CHAT: www.loveisrespect.org
National Child Abuse Hotline
TEXT: 1-800-422-4453
CALL: 1-800-422-4453
CHAT: www.childhelphotline.org
Teen-to-Teen Crisis Support and Help Line. Teens available 4-10 pm PST. Adults are available by phone at all other times.
TEXT: teen2teen to 839863
CALL: 1-877-968-8491
CHAT: www.theyouthline.org
EMAIL: Teen2Teen@LinesforLife.org
Get help. Report a tip. Find services. Learn about your options.
TEXT: BeFree to 233733
CALL: 1-888-373-7888
Crisis, Resource, and Referral Number for Kids and Parents.
TEXT: VOICE to 20121
CALL: 1-800-448-3000
OK2SAY is the Michigan student safety program which allows students to confidentially
report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, and schools.
TEXT: 652729
CALL: 1-855-565-2729
EMAIL: OK2SAY@mi.org
WEBSITE: www.OK2SAY.com
MOBILE APP: Search “OK2SAY” in the app stores for both iPhone and Android devices
Information Resources
Non-emergent, FREE, 24/7, and Confidential
Healthy Native Youth contains health promotion curricula and
resources to promote positive youth development, embrace cultural teachings,
and demonstrate evidence of effectiveness.
WEBSITE: https://www.healthynativeyouth.org/
The Native Youth Sexual Health Network is an organization by and for
Indigenous youth that works across issues of sexual and reproductive
health, rights and justice throughout the United States and Canada.
The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe.
WEBSITE: https://itgetsbetter.org/
Support for Quitting Vaping
TEXT: DITCHVAPE to 88709
A youth website that provides credible information about the
harmful effects of drug use.
WEBSITE: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/
iknowmine has been a trustworthy health resource for
you(th) and their allies like providers, parents, teachers,
aunties and uncles and other trusted adults since 2009.
WEBSITE: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/
A comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth.
WEBSITE: https://www.wernative.org/
Support for People Who Think Their Loved One is Struggling
with Substance Misuse
TEXT: CONNECT to 55753
CALL: 1-855-378-4373
ONLINE SUPPORT: www.drugfree.org/get-support/
