Youth Engagement on the Rez

https://www.firstpeoplesfund.org/news/e-spirit/1503-bravenewvoices.html

First Peoples Fund is focusing on engaging young artists through a new program: Brave New Voices – Dances with Words. With 13 organizations giving young people a voice, First Peoples fund is the only one focusing solely on Native American youth. The program is under the national Youth Speaks organization, where students from 13 to 19 learn about literature, poetry, and oral history to further understand their culture and to improve public speaking skills.

Programs such as this are needed in Native communities to impact youth and engage them with their peers. Giving the youth a voice allows them to freely express themselves in a safe space. Their knowledge and talent grow and develop while they learn to effectively and passionately communicate their thoughts and feelings about their lives, culture, and government.