The American Indian Metro Suicide Prevention Coalition (AIMSPC) brings together community members, organizations, and partners to strengthen suicide prevention for American Indian youth across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area. Our work centers culture, connection, and the strengths already present within our communities.

Protective Factors and the Three Sisters

Our work focuses on three protective factors: Positive Identity, Empowerment, and Positive Community Relationships. We represent them through the Three Sisters—corn as identity, squash as empowerment, and beans as community relationships. Rooted in Indigenous agricultural knowledge, the Three Sisters are planted together because each contributes to the well-being of the others: corn provides support for the beans, beans enrich the soil, and squash protects the ground and helps retain moisture. Together, they remind us that people and communities also thrive through connection, shared strengths, and mutual care.

About Ain Dah Yung Center

AIMSPC is led by Ain Dah Yung Center (ADYC), a community-based organization serving American Indian youth and families. As a state suicide prevention grantee, ADYC supports the coalition’s work to build partnerships, strengthen protective factors, and advance culturally grounded prevention across the metro area.