Julie Smith-Yliniemi
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Assistant Professor, Director of Community-Engaged Research, Indigenous Health
- Indigenous Trauma & Resilience, Culturally Adapted Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy, Cultural Immersion, Community Based Participatory Research, Clinical Mental Health, School Counseling, Health Education, Suicide Prevention & Intervention
Contact Info
- Email: julie.smithyliniemi@UND.edu
Office Address
School of Medicine & Health Sciences Room E263
1301 North Columbia Road Stop 9037
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037
Curriculum Vitae
Biography
Dr. Julie Smith-Yliniemi is an assistant professor and the director of community-engaged research for the Indigenous Trauma & Resilience Research Center, housed at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is Anishinaabe and grew up on the White Earth Indian Reservation in northern MN. She is committed to helping improve the health of Indigenous people, both on Turtle Island and globally. She has had the privilege of formal and informal education and found her home in the behavioral health, academia, and public health arenas. Her background is in health education, school counseling, grant management, along with clinical mental health therapy/diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. She spent several years adapting evidence-based trauma therapy models to fit with Native American traditional healing practices. She co-developed and implemented the first domestic cultural immersion event with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Board-certified counselors and counseling education professors spent eight days immersed in the Native American culture on her reservation, which led to her dissertation findings of increased cultural humility after immersion experiences. She worked with her community to develop a mobile crisis response team, which included local community members and mental health professionals.
Julie collaborates with communities, academic institutions, and agency partners to focus on community-engaged research to improve population health outcomes. She is a board-certified counselor, a licensed school counselor, and a licensed professional clinical counselor. She has thirteen years of experience working in K-12 public and tribal school systems, beginning as a health teacher, transitioning to a school counselor, and then as a clinical mental health therapist. She worked four years as an assistant professor in higher education in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at Arkansas State University prior to coming to UND in 2022. Julie graduated with a master’s degree in counseling from Minnesota State University – Moorhead in 2006. In 2017, she completed her Master of Public Health-American Indian Public Health certificate from North Dakota State University, and in 2018 she completed her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision. She is a 2015 NBCC Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) fellow. She is passionate about learning from others and helping students prepare for working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Julie lives in Detroit Lakes, MN, with her husband and children. She enjoys yoga, traveling, and being outdoors in her free time. In the summer, she enjoys going to pow-wows, bike riding, watching her children’s activities, and being on the water. In the winter months, you can find her enjoying any outdoor activities as weather permits. She enjoys sharing the beauty of her culture and travel experiences from around the world.
Teach Community-Based Participatory Research and Tribally Driven Research Frameworks (PH766)
Global Indigenous Health Perspectives: Study Aboard to New Zealand
Community Based Participitory Resarch
Cultural Humility
Cultural Immersion
Cultural Adaptations to Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Models
Smith-Yliniemi, J., Malott, K. M., Riegert, J., & Branco, S. F. (2024). Utilizing
collective wisdom: Ceremony-assisted treatment for Native and non-Native clients.
The Professional Counselor.
Smith-Yliniemi J. & Hemming, L (2023). American Indian women and trauma.
The SAGE Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy.
Hemming, L., & Yliniemi J. A. (2022). Section 2: The Client’s Worldview
Chapter 8: Culturally Responsive Counseling for Clients of Native American Descent.
Multicultural Counseling: Responding with Cultural Humility, Empathy and Advocacy.
McGinnis, C., & Smith, J. A. (2016). Christian perspective of an Ojibwe sweat for women.
Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 70(3), 206-211.
Smith, J. (September 2016). Reflections on the NBCC-I White Earth Institute.
SAMHSA Minority Fellowship eNewsletter, 6(4), 1-2.
Smith, J. (September 2016). Walking in two worlds. Detroit Lakes Tribune. Newspaper
PRESENTATIONS
INTERNATIONAL
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2023). Managing Mental Health Wellness and Trauma Responses during a
Global Pandemic: Utilizing the Strengths of Cultural Teachings, Community, and Spirituality.
Presented at the Healing Our Spirits Worldwide Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. & NewBreast, T. (2021). Mental Health Connections: Cultivating Equity.
Opening keynote presentation. Presentation for National Board for Certified Counselors International Capacity Building Conference.
Virtual presentation.
Smith, J. & Norquay, L. (2020). Mental Health Connections: Counseling Across the Globe, Indigenous Considerations.
Presented at International Digital Conference hosted by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Virtual presentation.
Smith, J. (2020). Infusing Culture & Spirituality into Stress Management. Ask an Expert Webinar. Yorkville University, Canada. Virtual presentation.
Smith, J. & Quintana, T. (2020). Medicine for the Mind and Body: Incorporating Wellness in Schools through Culture and Community.
Presented at International School Counseling Conference. Virtual presentation.
Smith, J. & Cole, R. (2019). Enhancing Resiliency through International Cultural
Immersion Experiences. Presented at the Mediterranean Region Counselors Association Annual Conference, Naples, Italy.
Smith, J. & NewBreast, T. (2018). Enhancing Cultural Humility through Educational Cultural Immersion Experiences.
Presented at the Healing Our Spirits Worldwide Conference, Sydney, Australia.
Smith, J. (2017). Incorporating Indigenous Practices into Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Models.
Presented 60- min session and also did an opening hand drum song and prayer at the Africa International Counseling Conference, Malawi, Africa.
Smith, J. (2015). Healing Youth by Incorporating Traditional Native American Healing Practices into Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Models.
Presented at the Healing Our Spirits Worldwide Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.
NATIONAL
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2024). Trauma and Healing Informed from an Academic and Research Lens. Presented at the Becoming Trauma and Healing Informed Conference, Honolulu, HI.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. & Schweiger-Moore, W. (2023). Building Partnership Toward Program Contextualization and Implementation in Diverse Communities. Presented at the National Association of Counselor Education Conference, Denver, CO.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2023). Integrating Indigenous Healing Practices into Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Models. Presented at the 2023 NBCC Foundation Bridging the Gap Symposium, Atlanta, GA.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. & Smith B. & Smith K. (2023). Healing Intergenerational Trauma by Incorporating Indigenous Practices into Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Models. Presented at the National Indian Health Board Conference, Anchorage, AK.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2023). Indigenous perspective on Health Equity. Presented at Government- Industry-University-Foundation Partnerships to Advance Digital Health Care Systems, Convergence Science and Health Equity Conference, Washington, DC.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2023). Decolonizing the Counseling Practice by Utilizing the Strengths of Cultural Teachings, Community, and Spirituality. Presented for Bridging the Gap Virtual Summit, hosted by Mental Health Academy. Virtual presentation.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2022). Anti-Racism and Moving Towards Health Equity Panel. Presented for Georgetown University Medical School. Virtual presentation.
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Smith-Yliniemi, J. & Smith B. & Smith K. (2022). Managing Mental Health during a Pandemic: Utilizing the Strengths of Cultural, Community, and Spirituality. Presented at the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Conference, Washington, DC.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2021). Indigenous Healing for Emotional and Mental Wellbeing.
Webinar. Presentation for Treatment Collaboration for Traumatized Youth.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2021). Using Cultural and Spiritual Care as an Educational and Supervision Tool During a Pandemic. Webinar. Presentation for theAssociation for Humanistic Counseling.
Smith, J. (2020). Fostering Growth through the use of Native American Spiritual and Cultural Practices. Webinar. Presentation for the Association for Humanistic Counseling.
Smith, J. & Guth, L. (2019). Enhancing Cultural Humility Through a Native American Immersion Experience. Presented at Association for Counselor Education and Supervision conference, Seattle, WA.
Smith, J. (2018). Historical and multigenerational trauma and resilience: Impact discussion.
Presented at the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Symposium, Washington, DC.
Smith, J. (2017). Developing cultural humility through immersion experiences. Webinar presentation for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation.
Smith, J., & Guth, L. (2017). Creating cultural humility through cultural immersion experiences. Presented a TedTalk at the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Symposium, Atlanta, GA.
Smith, J. (2016). Incorporating traditional Native American practices into evidence-based trauma therapy models. Presented at the Indian Health Services (IHS) National Behavioral Health Conference, Portland, OR.
Smith, J. (2016). Implementing Traditional Native American Practices into Trauma Therapy Models for Youth. Presented at the Eliminating Mental Health Disparities Symposium, Washington D.C.
Smith, J. (2016). Year of minority fellowship: Collaborating with the National Board for Certified Counselors International to create the first Native American Educational Institute for Nationally Certified Counselors. Presented an opening song and prayer, presented and completed a poster presentation at the Eliminating Mental Health Disparities Symposium, Washington D.C.
Smith, J. (2015). Decreasing dropout rates of Native American students by addressing trauma through Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools. Presented at the AtRisk Youth National Forum, Myrtle Beach, SC.
Smith, J. (2014). Providing emotional support to students through Cognitive Behavioral Interventions to Trauma in Schools. Presented at the National Native American Dropout Prevention Conference, Prior Lake, MN.
Nathe, A., & Smith, J. (2014). Providing emotional support to students through Cognitive Behavioral Interventions to Trauma in Schools. Presented at the North Central Association of Counselor Education and Supervision, St. Louis, MO.
Smith, J., & Nathe, A. (2010). Utilizing SafeTALK in addressing suicide in Indian Country. Presented at the Methamphetamine & Suicide Prevention Initiative National Conference, Oklahoma City, OK.
Smith, J., & Nathe, A. (2010). Utilizing gathering of Native American (GONA) in addressing suicide in Indian Country. Presented at the Methamphetamine & Suicide Prevention Initiative National Conference, Oklahoma City, OK.
REGIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2024) Culture as Self-Care. Presented at the Tribal Community Health Representatives Symposium, Grand Forks, ND.
Smith-Yliniemi, J & Luger, B. (2024) Intersections of Healing: Trauma Research, Cultural Immersion, and Mental Health Professionals in Action. Presented at the Indigenous Trauma and Resilience Research Center Symposium, Grand Forks, ND.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2023) Utilizing the Strengths of Traditional Indigenous Practices for Personal and Professional Wellbeing. Presented at the Tribal Maternal & Child Health Symposium, Fargo, ND.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2023) Indigenous Healing for Emotional and Mental Wellbeing. Presented at Sanford Health Center- Licensed Psychologists & Interns, Moorhead, MN.
Smith-Yliniemi, J & Luger, B. (2023). Integrating Traditional Indigenous Practices into Personal & Professional Development. Presented at United Tribes Technical College Tribal Leader’s Summit, Bismarck, ND.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2023). Indigenous Leadership Styles and Cultural Teachings. Presented for the Community Health Association of the Dakotas Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Team. Virtual presentation.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2022). Educational Video Series and Multi-media Approach on the Opioid Crisis in our Communities. Presented for Rural Responses to the Opioid Epidemic.
Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2022). Person-centered communication training series for physicians. Presented for Community Health Association of the Dakotas.
Smith-Yliniemi, J & Warne, D. (2022). Indigenous Peoples Day Health Equity Talk. Presented at Community Health Association of the Dakotas webinar.
Kelliher, A & Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2022). Indigenous Mental Health and Cultural Awareness. Presented at North Dakota Pediatric and Primary Care Behavioral Health Symposium.
Kelliher, A & Smith-Yliniemi, J. (2022). Indigenous Pediatric Mental Health and Cultural Considerations. Presented at Pediatric Mental Health TeleECHO clinic.
Smith, J. (2020). Indigenous End of Life Ceremonies & Considerations. Presented at Hospice of the Red River Valley, Detroit Lakes, MN.
Smith, J., & DeConcini, N. (2017). Healing the healers. Presented at the Minnesota Sexual Violence Prevention Summit, Saint Cloud, MN.
Smith, J. (2017). Walking in two worlds: Incorporating traditional Native American practices into personal and professional development. Presented at the University of North Dakota, Time-Out Week Celebration, Grand Forks, ND.
Smith, J. (2017). Building peace through sharing our cultures. Presented at the United Methodist Church, Detroit Lakes, MN.
Smith, J. (2016). Bridging the counseling gap in schools: How collaboration between Clinical
Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling can support the healing of children affected by trauma. Keynote presentation at the Northwest Minnesota School Counselors Association, Moorhead, MN.
Smith, J. (2016). Bridging the cultural gap: Knowledge is power!” Invited keynote at Rotary Club, Detroit Lakes, MN.
Smith, J., & Nathe, A. (2012). Accessing community strengths when responding to crisis on the reservation. Presented at the Native American Cultural Awareness Training. Shooting Star Casino Event Center, Mahnomen, MN.
Smith, J., & Nathe, A. (2010). Addressing suicide. Presented at the 10th Annual Victim Service Collaboration Conference, Mahnomen, MN.
Smith, J. (2010). Admitting and recruiting Native American students in post-secondary settings. Presented at the College Recruitment In-Service, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.
Smith, J. (2010). Becoming culturally responsive foster parents. Presented at the Lutheran Social Services Foster Care Program, Detroit Lakes, MN.
Nathe, A., & Smith, J. (2009). Addressing suicide with empowering community members, Native Alive campaign overview. Presented at the Methamphetamine & Suicide Prevention Initiative Regional Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision- North Dakota State University. Fall, 2018.
Dissertation Title: The lived experience of Nationally Certified
Counselors who attended an eight-day Native American cultural
l immersion institute.
Master of Public Health American Indian Public Health Certificate- North Dakota State
University. May 2017.
Master of Science Counseling & Student Affairs- Minnesota State University-
Moorhead. May 2006.
Thesis Title: Effectiveness of Alcohol Education among 8th grade
Native Americans
Bachelor of Science Health Education- Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
May 2002.