This guide is intended for use by tribal leaders, elders, healers, youth activists, community organizers, school administrators, and other members of the community to address the problem of high suicide rates among American Indian and Alaska Native youth and young adults. The guide examines the primary strengthening factors that are known to help protect young people against suicide, and is organized to help readers understand the complex process of developing suicide prevention plans within a cultural context. The nine chapters of this guide cover: an introduction to the problem; the concept of culture, community, and factors affecting risk and prevention; breaking the silence around the suicide conversation; responding to suicide; community readiness; community action; promising suicide prevention programs; Federal suicide prevention resources; and conclusions. Five appendixes include: a list of contributors and reviewers; a glossary of terms; statistics related to suicide among Native American and Alaska Native youth and young adults; decisionmaking tools and resources; and a list of Web site resources, bibliography, and references.