Indigenous Peoples Task Force

Giving the next generation of Native youth a chance to know their culture and develop their resilience gives us hope. The Indigenous Peoples Task Force offers four programs for young people.

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 unexpected and be there for our youth when they need us most.

We are also very happy to report that as soon as the ground thaws in 2022 we anticipate beginning construction on our new building which will bring all these programs under one roof and give space for our growing staff. In response to increased building costs we are pursuing funding from the American Recovery Act. Please reach out to us if you would like to make a capital gift to help us start strong.

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.

Keep the Fire Alive (KTFA) (suicide prevention)
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.

Waybinagay (substance abuse prevention)
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.

Indigi-Baby Food Project
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.

We appreciate your support! Together we are building resilient and creative Native youth.