Colville Tribes’ North Star initiative aims to prevent youth substance use using Iceland model; county invited to collaborate

Val Vargas Thomas (title in transcript not specified) presented the North Star initiative, a tribal-led effort to adapt the Icelandic youth-prevention model to local communities. The presenter described coalition building in Omak, Nespelem, Keller and other district communities and outlined plans to conduct the Planet Youth (Iceland-model) student survey in the spring to inform prevention priorities.

The presentation noted Iceland’s long-term results showing steep reductions in youth substance use after a sustained, community-based approach that includes leisure activities, parental engagement, limits on unsupervised late-night activity, and annual student surveys. The presenter said tribes and community partners are organizing coalitions, engaging schools, and preparing youth leadership to run peer-led prevention efforts. The presentation highlighted goals to reduce alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use and to improve mental-health supports.

Commissioners asked how the county could support coalition meetings and suggested county facilities or the community foundation space as possible meeting locations and technology hubs. The presenter offered to share Planet Youth Academy materials with county officials and encouraged commissioners to consider participation in study planning and coalition activities.

No formal action was taken; commissioners signaled interest in collaborating and asked staff to connect the presenter with local community-coalition contacts and county meeting spaces.