Our Programs
Youth Programming
Youth Programming
Empowering the next generation through cultural identity and leadership development
IMPACTT
Indigenous Mentors Protecting Ancestral Cultural Teachings Team
Purpose: Create a safe place for tribal youth, amplify their voices, and nurture the next generation of leaders by grounding them in cultural and spiritual traditions and beliefs.
Goal: We actively collaborate with youth, hosting workshops aimed at reestablishing their traditional identity and equipping them with the tools to become advocates for creating positive change within their communities.
What we do: Rooted in culture, spirituality, and ceremonial practices, IMPACTT functions as a youth prevention program that nurtures the growth of future leaders through workshops, listening sessions, and traditional teachings.
Tribes Represented
Female Participants
Youth Ages 14-25
Quality Rating
Featured Mural Projects
IMPACTT has completed 3 mural projects in Yolo and Sacramento county. Each project included 5 weeks of workshops, where youth ages 14-18 learned, designed, and painted murals representing original Patwin, Miwok and Nisenan culture, ceremonial and traditional lifeways. Through collaborations with Hope Through Art, we continue to promote change within public school systems.
6 Week Wellness Wednesday Workshops
A comprehensive 6-week series of classes offering cultural education and skills development for Native youth.
🎨 Activities Include:
- Cultural education sessions
- Arts and crafts activities such as necklace making
- Traditional hand games
- Talking circles for community connection
- Skills development and leadership training
🏞️ Summer Program Highlights:
- Guided youth river rafting adventures
- Introduction to ancestral Waupumne village in Coloma, CA
- Educational experiences along the American River
- Connection to traditional lifeways and cultural practices
Participants gain practical skills they can utilize in their daily lives while strengthening their cultural identity and community connections.
Next Gen Youth Conference
📍 Sacramento, California
Annual Event - Planned by and for Native youth
🎯 Purpose & Goals:
- Empower Native Youth: Provide tools and inspiration for youth to become leaders in their communities
- Cultural Connection: Strengthen ties to Indigenous heritage through workshops and activities
- Community Engagement: Encourage active participation in community initiatives and discussions
🌟 Recent Conference Highlights:
- Keynote Speaker: Alaqua Cox (Marvel's Echo star) shared her personal journey, emphasizing resilience and support
- Workshops: Sessions on healing from ACEs, stress management, and herbalism as cultural healing
- Youth Ambassadors: Created Spotify playlist featuring Native artists and booklist highlighting Native authors
🤝 Community Impact:
The conference serves as a platform for Native youth to connect, share experiences, and build supportive networks. By centering youth voices and Indigenous knowledge, the event fosters pride and purpose among participants.