Episode 1 – Culture, Community, Connection: Finding Belonging as Urban Native Youth

 July 18, 2022 | 7 p.m. EST – 8:15 p.m EST

RejuveNation: Building Resilience in Urban Native Youth Summer Series

NCUIH’s Rivers of Rejuvenation (ROR) Youth Council (YC) is taking action to address Native Youth visibility, mental health/substance abuse challenges, and environmental issues impacting youth wellness. Through their “RejuveNation: Building Resilience in Urban Native Youth” YouTube Summer Series, ROR members will share stories of hope, advocacy through art, and tips on creating healing environments. This three-episode series will include topics such as: 1) Finding and Building Community, 2) Art and Advocacy and 3) Environmental and Mental Resilience as an Urban Native Youth. Special Guests include Maya Rose Dittloff (ǔkkayǔ”kwīyinnimǎakii/Many Pipes Woman) is Mandan, Hidatsa, and Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet) whom is a renowned writer, director, and producer (Iron Dog, Dark Winds, and American Prophet). Jeanette Acosta is a permaculture specialist, certified permaculture teacher and designer with extensive experience in herbology, ethnobotany, nutrition, yoga/meditation. Composer and Keyboardist for Emmy and Grammy nominated TV series/album. Please join us as we celebrate each episode with a launch party and your opportunity to win amazing Native swag!

Objectives:

• Offer guidance on how to create Native community while living in Urban environments: academically, socially, in relationships, and family (chosen and biological)
• Learn how to use culture as a tool for community building
• Learn how to reach out to your own communities

Event Speakers:

Rivers of Rejuvenation Youth Council Members:

• Elena Yellow Bird (Arikara from the Three Affiliated Tribes), Sioux Falls, SD
• McKalee Steen (Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma), Berkeley, CA
• Jayson Fisher (Northern Cheyenne), Billings, MT
• Kamryn Yanchick (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma & descendent of the Muscogee Nation), Norman, OK
• MarLynn Cloud (Member of the Crow Tribe), Billings, MT

Sponsors:

• Center for Native American Youth
• SAMHSA Native Connections Grant

Audience:
Native AI/AN Youth & Young Adults, Native Youth Serving Organizations, Urban Indian Organizations and Tribal and National Partners