April 16, 2026

Tribal Leadership Meets with Students Following Tragedy, Emphasizes Support and Healing

By Adrian Villegas
Web & Communication Support Specialist
Hoopa Valley Tribe

Hoopa, Calif. — In the wake of the tragic loss of Hoopa Tribal member Dylan Moon, which has deeply impacted students and families across the community, members of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council met directly with high school students to listen, support, and reaffirm their commitment to student safety and well-being.

The purpose of the visit was to provide students with a safe space to share their experiences, voice concerns, and speak openly about the challenges they face both before and after the incident. Tribal leadership also took time to check in with students regarding their sense of safety on campus and within the community.

Vice Chairman Jordan Hailey shared that the visit was initially intended as a check-in with students, but following the tragedy, it became even more important to create space for students to express themselves and be heard.

“The message to our students is simple — we hear you, and we will do whatever we can to address these issues and ensure you have a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment,” Hailey said. “Our children have gone through so much, and it is heartbreaking that they continue to face challenges like this.”

In response to the incident, the Tribe, alongside community partners, has mobilized significant support within the school. Over the past weeks, more than 20 to 30 wellness specialists, counselors, parents, and community members have been present on campus to provide assistance and ensure students have access to resources to help them process the situation.

Tribal leadership emphasized the importance of addressing trauma in a healthy and supportive way to prevent long-term impacts on youth and to promote healing across the community.

The Tribe plans to continue these efforts by increasing the presence of wellness professionals, enhancing school safety measures, and encouraging greater involvement from parents and community members to support students moving forward.

“This moment calls for all of us to step up as a community,” Hailey said. “We must work together to ensure our children are safe, supported, and able to learn in a positive environment. We all have a responsibility to do better for our youth and for the future of our community.”

The Hoopa Valley Tribal Council reaffirmed its commitment to taking meaningful action to support students, strengthen school safety, and ensure that tragedies like this do not happen again.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and all those affected,” Hailey added. “We will continue to stand with our youth and do everything we can to support them during this difficult time.”

The Tribe also honors the life and memory of Dylan Moon and stands with his family during this difficult time.