Indigefit Kids
Community Partnership
Survey Report
In our recent survey of educators, coaches, health providers, youth workers, and community leaders who work closely with Native youth in Minnesota, respondents highlighted both the growing influence of technology in Native young people’s lives and the need for greater resources to guide digital wellbeing practices.
Digital Wellbeing for Minnesota Native Youth
Examining Educators’ and Youth Professionals’ Perspectives
242
Native and non-Native educators and youth professionals across 42 of MN’s 87 counties.
OVER 70%
of respondents identified that further resources, Native youth leadership opportunities, and workshops would be helpful.
TOP BARRIERS
to supporting Native youth wellbeing: Knowledge, Family/Community, Youth pushback, Time, Skills/Experience
1 in 2
said that digital media impacts was more important than other issues facing Native youth.
A Call for Digital Wellbeing
Having online access to positive Native role models and creators diminishes the sense of loneliness/isolation
Technology and digital media opens a door of loneliness, they feel connected but left out at the same time… It’s a double edged sword.
Educators & youth professionals are not satisfied with strategies to support Native youth digital wellbeing, such as device policies, teaching about the potential harms, promoting screen time limits, and more.
Native Youth Leadership
We are partnering for and with Native youth on a Digital Wellbeing Leadership path. We are currently recruiting ages 18-24.
Native Youth Digital Wellbeing Summit – Coming Summer 2026
Check back soon for details!
This work is generously supported through a partnership with IndigeFit Kids, a philanthropic campaign of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to support the health and wellbeing of Native youth in Minnesota.