American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, who trace their heritage back to the original inhabitants of North and South America, including Central America, represent a diverse array of ethnic and cultural groups, each with unique tribal affiliations and community bonds. In 2022, these communities constituted approximately 1.3% of the U.S. population. It’s important to note that data concerning AI/AN populations does not include individuals of Hispanic ethnicity.
Understanding suicide rates within AI/AN populations presents unique challenges. State mortality data frequently lacks information on tribal affiliation, and tribes may utilize their own distinct surveillance systems and definitions of suicide. Furthermore, the concept of “suicide” may not exist within the cultural vocabulary of certain tribes, hindering data collection. Reluctance to share data due to concerns about misuse further complicates efforts to obtain accurate rates.
Despite these limitations, the following data represents the most reliable estimate of suicide prevalence within AI/AN populations.
Between 2011 and 2020, suicide death rates among AI/AN populations experienced a significant increase, rising from 17 to 24 per 100,000 individuals. During the same period, the overall U.S. suicide rate saw a smaller increase, moving from 12 to 14 per 100,000. This data highlights a disproportionate rise in suicide rates within AI/AN communities compared to the broader U.S. population.
Suicide rates within AI/AN populations exhibit a distinct age-related pattern. The highest rates are observed among individuals aged 25-34, with a decline following age 35. Notably, suicide rates begin to rise again for those aged 75 and older, suggesting specific vulnerabilities across different life stages within these communities.
Mirroring trends in the general U.S. population, suicide deaths are significantly more prevalent among males than females within AI/AN communities. Between 2011 and 2020, the suicide rate for AI/AN males was over three times higher than that for AI/AN females. Furthermore, suicide rates for both AI/AN males and females were higher than their counterparts in the overall U.S. population, underscoring a greater risk across both genders in AI/AN communities.
A significantly larger proportion of AI/AN individuals reported experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past year compared to the overall U.S. population (9% vs. 5%). Similarly, the percentages of AI/AN populations reporting past-year suicide plans and suicide attempts were slightly higher than those in the general U.S. population, indicating a greater burden of suicidal ideation and behavior within AI/AN communities.
In 2021, AI/AN high school students reported higher rates of seriously considering suicide, making suicide plans, and attempting suicide in the past year compared to youth in the overall U.S. population. While the percentage of AI/AN youth reporting feelings of sadness or hopelessness was similar to the overall U.S. population, the data points to a heightened risk of suicidal behavior among AI/AN adolescents.
