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Indigenous Leaders Promote Cultural Connections Through Engagement with Nature

November 29, 2024  |  cheyenne, connection to nature, cultural connection, fort robinson outbreak spiritual run, generational indigenous ways, indigenous led programs, indigenous youth, intergenerational learning, kids outside, lakota, lakota summer science field institute, outdoor recreation, positive youth development, river newe, shoshone-bannock, yellow bird life ways
A young person runs while holding a blue flag
Photo courtesy of Yellow Bird Life Ways

Indigenous youth, like all kids, benefit from programming that invests in their growth, affirms their identities, and offers mentorship. Unfortunately, organizations that are led by and serve Native Americans are chronically underfunded. At NRF, one of our focus areas is supporting organizations that work to connect Indigenous kids with each other, their culture, and their communities. River Newe, Generations Indigenous Ways, and Yellow Bird Life Ways are three of the grantees we’ve had the privilege of funding as part of this effort.

A group of people float on a raft on a river
Photo courtesy of River Newe

River Newe focuses on outdoor recreation as a means of connecting Shoshone-Bannock youth with their cultural heritage. Program leaders engage youth in river-based activities on traditional tribal lands. Participants are able to boost their confidence, explore their identities, exercise treaty rights, and learn new skills - all while using the river as their classroom. Ultimately, River Newe hopes to expand capacity for the next generation to weave Indigenous culture into their lives regardless of the path they choose. Time on Shoshone-Bannock land and in and around native waters is essential for achieving this mission. Another key aspect of River Newe’s work is intergenerational learning. Shoshone-Bannock youth learn from and alongside elders in order to build community and replace deficit-based narratives about Indigenous youth with stories of connection.

A group of young people standing together outside
Photo courtesy of Generations Indigenous Ways

Generations Indigenous Ways also leverages intergenerational learning to achieve its mission. NRF funding supported the Lakota Summer Science Field Institute, which promotes culturally responsive STEM engagement. For example, campers might learn about plant identification through harvesting traditional foods, practice physics through bow-making, or use math skills while doing beadwork. Campers also spend lots of time hiking, getting to know each other on the trail and connecting with the South Dakota landscape. Generations Indigenous Ways lays the groundwork for kids to get excited about STEM subjects but also builds foundational leadership skills and an environmental ethic. Not every young person will want to become a professional scientist, but all youth can grow up to be stewards of their land, culture, and community.

Two teenagers run through the snow next to each other
Photo courtesy of Yellow Bird Life Ways

Finally, Yellow Bird Life Ways operates on the principle of reciprocity – both in caring for human communities and stewarding our environment. Yellow Bird Life Ways does this through a number of programs aimed at cultural storytelling, food sovereignty, and environmental education. NRF funding supported the annual Fort Robinson Outbreak Spiritual Run. The run takes place each January to commemorate Northern Cheyenne resilience and resistance. As part of the event, young people spend a week running 400 miles from South Dakota to Montana, learning about the land, their culture, and themselves along the way.

A large group sits on the ground together outside
Photo courtesy of River Newe

These three programs are led by Indigenous adults who are committed to opening up new opportunities and pathways for Indigenous youth. Investing in the next generations makes us all stronger. River Newe, Generations Indigenous Ways, and Yellow Bird Life Ways are putting this principle into action in innovative ways while remaining grounded in tradition.