Youth Programming

Empowering Future Leaders through Culture, Storytelling & Land-Based Learning

Program Overview

Our Youth Program works to increase ecological and cultural literacy through land-based camps that provide creative, hands-on learning opportunities centered in cultural connection, creative self-expression, and exposure to the Indigenous and Western science core to restoring and sustaining our homelands. The bulk of current programming is centered in Blackfoot Territory, but will expand to other homelands over the course of 2025 and to virtual platforms in order to connect and reach more youth across Indian Country. Internship and scholarship opportunities are also core to the program.

Photo by: Louise Johns

Our Goals

  • Deepen ecological and cultural knowledge

  • Elevate youth voices and visions

  • Support youth stepping into their own authority and agency

  • Inspire renewed relationship to our more-than-human relatives and their homelands

Opportunities for Youth

Photo by: Louise Johns

Grow. Lead. Serve.
Explore ways to get involved and grow your skills:

  • Youth Camps – Learn from Elders, engage in land-based activities that follow our core bodies of work, and storytelling

    • Braided Science Camp - August 2025

  • Scholarships
    2025 Indigenous Youth Scholarship Program

    • 4 Scholarships at $1,000 each

    • (Applications now closed. Winners announced below.)

  • Internships

    • Assist with camps, media, or conservation projects

    • Earn service hours + mentorship

    • Receive mentorship + a certificate of completion 

  • Community Service
    Contribute to events like Iinnii Days, cultural ceremonies, or community dinners

    • Verified service hours

    • Resume-building & leadership recognition

    • Recognition as a young Indigenous leader 

2025 Scholarship Recipients

The INDIGENOUS LED Youth Scholarship Program is designed to support and empower Indigenous youth who demonstrate a commitment to cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and leadership development. As a recipient, they will be expected to actively engage in our core initiatives and help amplify our work by engaging other youth in meaningful ways.

INDIGENOUS LED is honored to share four exemplary Blackfoot youth—each a leader, learner, and future-focused visionary—through our annual scholarship program. Grounded in cultural identity, academic achievement, and community service, these recipients exemplify the power of Indigenous-led support to cultivate the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Tashlyn Lazy Boy

Bio: 
“I am a senior and I just graduated high school this year. I enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball all four years in high school.”

Quote:
“Given this opportunity, I am confident I will exceed your expectations and become an asset to the academic community. Cultural activities reciprocity plays a vital role in the preservation and celebration of heritage, as it encourages community engagement and the sharing of cultural practices among diverse groups. I have attended in the past INDIGENOUS LED events like the Iinnii Days, Buffalo Harvest and Relay races were a few events. I saw how much INDIGENOUS LED gave back to communities and appreciated that and I will attend activities and do my part in the activities as well as participating.”

Blackfoot Name: Insamaki, Planting Woman

Cashton No Runner

Bio:
“My name is Cashton No Runner, I’m currently finishing Grade 10 at Catholic Central High School, and I will be entering Grade 11 in the fall. I’ve been passionate about hockey since I was 4 years old and have been playing for 12 years, developing strong skills and a deep love for the game. In the summer, I stay active by playing fast pitch softball, and when I’m not on the ice or the field, I enjoy spending my time reading and exploring new books.”

Quote:
“This scholarship represents a profound connection to culture, knowledge, and community. It's a journey of embracing tradition while empowering innovation, where learning becomes not only a pursuit of personal growth but also a commitment to uplifting those around us.”

Blackfoot Name: Ootskaapinaaki, Blue Eyed Woman

Che’ Crop Eared Wolf

Bio:
”Hello, I'm Che' (Beanz). I attended grade 10 at Magrath High School this semester.
I'm a very heavily music influenced person in all the creative work I do.”

Quote:
“This is a great opportunity to expand my future aspirations. And continue doing the things I enjoy in a positive way.”

Blackfoot Name: Matsiiyikkitsstakiyaaki, Fine Offering Woman

Makeisha Day Chief

Bio: “Oki, my name is Makeisha Day Chief. I am a member of the Blood Tribe. I just completed grade 12 from Cardston High School. I will be attending Utah State University in Logan Utah in August. I will be studying Equine Science and Management and also Equine Therapy. I began participating in rodeos as a young child and love horses as well as the rodeo world. My interests are breakaway roping in the Pros and one day having an Equine Therapy business where I will be able to assist others using horses to help them heal from trauma.”

Quote: “I would like to thank those who have given me the opportunity to be awarded this scholarship. This scholarship will help me gain the needed education to complete the Equine Therapy program. I am grateful for this scholarship and the opportunity to represent my community.”

Blackfoot Name: Aimmoniisohkomii, Otter Calling
“This was my great grandmother’s (Elizabeth Red Crow) name. I am honored to be able to carry her name with me. She was a strong lady and I hope I can be as strong and kind as she was.”

Podcast Episode 3: Empowering indigenous youth

Photo by: Louise Johns

At the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, a conversation unfolds with Sara Little Bear, Youth Programs Manager at INDIGENOUS LED. She shares her role in designing and launching seasonal land-based camps that deepen Native youth’s ecological and cultural knowledge, emphasizing the vital role young people play in conservation. Youth participants speak about their experiences and aspirations, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation, youth engagement, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. The episode centers the power of youth voices in informing conservation and celebrates the healing strength of Indigenous cultures.

why it matters

Photo by: Christopher Carter
. . . .
Header Photo from Iinnii Days by: Hunter D'Antuono / Flathead Beacon

These programs aren’t just about events—they are about belonging. They prepare youth to reclaim ancestral knowledge, restore community, and shape a future rooted in cultural values and Indigenous leadership.

Contact us.

Sara Little Bear
Youth & Community Engagement Manager
sara@indigenousled.org