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Boozhoo!
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Giving the next generation of Native youth a chance to know their culture and develop their resilience gives me hope. They keep me young!
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Today I want to introduce you to the four main programs Indigenous Peoples Task Force offers young people.
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Can you make a donation in support of our youth? This has been an unusual year and support from individual donors helps us respond to the unexpected and be there for our youth when they need us most.
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I’m also very happy to report that in 2021 we anticipate beginning construction on our new building which will bring all these programs under one roof and give space for our growing staff. Thanks to the State’s bonding bill we have nearly reached our fundraising goal. Please reach out to me if you would like to make a capital gift.
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Ikidowin (Peer Education and Acting Ensemble)
The Ikidowin youth program teaches sexual health, healthy relationships, and consent through the use of theater art. Youth have the opportunity to enact situations through theater to practice using the skills and knowledge they learned and to teach others this knowledge as well. Theater can remove barriers of awkwardness and de-stigmatize many of these topics, empowering youth to develop leadership skills, oral communication skills and problem solving skills.
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Waybinagay (substance abuse prevention)
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Waybinagay is a commercial tobacco, alcohol and drugs prevention and cessation program for Indigenous youth and young adults ages 11-26. It focuses specifically on restoring honor to the sacred plant, Asemaa (tobacco). Waybinagay uses an 8-session curriculum to educate youth on the ceremonial and cultural significance of Asemaa and reconnect them with traditional medicine. Waybinagay is part of a larger vision to return first medicines to native peoples and restore generational knowledge pathways through youth education.
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Keep the Fire Alive (KTFA) (suicide prevention)
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KTFA is a substance abuse and mental health awareness program that rebuilds connections through creativity, hands-on learning, cultural activities, and field trips. KTFA recognizes how colonization––both historical and modern––manifests in present day trauma in Indigenous youth. Through creative and participatory learning youth learn about depression, stress management, bullying and suicide prevention. Youth have participated in many creative projects, including creating the mural pictured above.
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Indigi-Baby Food Project
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Indigi-Baby is a sustainable food project that attempts to address disproportionately high rates of chronic illnesses in Indigenous children. We aim to increase access to and availability of baby food made from traditional Indigenous food, such as squash, wild rice, and berries and to pass on teachings to youth. We are ramping up to hire and train native youth on sustainable food production, manufacturing, packaging, and marketing of Indigi-Baby products. Our curriculum also incorporates how spirituality and ceremony are part of decolonizing our food system and building food sovereignty.
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