MONTANA: Arlee’s “Warrior Movement” Brings Suicide Prevention to Great Falls
April 27, 2018
A high school basketball team from Montana’s Flathead Reservation has brought the issue of suicide prevention to the national level. After winning their state championship last year, the Arlee Warriors decided to dedicate this year’s championship game to suicide prevention. Inspired to take action by the suicide deaths of teens in their community, the team made a three-minute video to convey a message of hope. Team member Greg Whitesell, who has experienced depression and suicidal thoughts, said their goal is “to let people know they’re not alone. I can use my experiences to help other people know that.” Since the video was posted last month, it has been viewed over one million times. The Arlee Warriors have been featured in the New York Times Magazine and received calls for numerous speaking engagements. They have also met with the Montana governor and Native American Tribal Councils and been contacted by Nike. Feeling the reach and power of their message, said Whitesell, “We want to continue this movement as long as we can.”
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