Hoopa Youth Ambassador Program - Spring 2022

Hoopa Youth Ambassador Program Spring 2022 Report

About the Program Two Feathers Youth Ambassador program engages Native American youth ages 15-21 in an intergenerational youth employment program. Our program supports youth and young adults in developing leadership and advocacy skills while also expanding their connection to cultural learning and knowledge. The program prioritizes supporting multi-stressed youth in program participation and design.

Our Spring program had two groups of Youth Ambassadors, one based at Captain John Continuation High School and the other at Hoopa High School. Each "work pod" consisted of 6 youth who had expressed their interest in the program.

The Facilitation Team Dylan McClure Program Director Amy Mathieson Work Pod Supervisor Shanley Masten Work Pod Supervisor

Meet the Youth Ambassadors

Mark Scott

Kimora Van Pelt

Cheyenne Hostler

Eric Matilton

Grace Colegrove

Buck Logan

Andrea Reed

Nalani Gaines

Alicia Davis

Kira Nicholson

Lil Nix-Peters

Renee Doolittle

Program Highlights

Hoopa High Work Pod Self-Defense Classes: The youth took a field trip to Eureka Ca and met at Primal Wolf with Darla Lewis to learn self-defense.

Cultural Burn Education: The pod met with Joe Hostler from the York tribe in Weitchpec where they learned why cultural burns and land restoration is important.

Captain John Work Pod Empowering Indigenous Environments Conference: The youth attended a 3 day conference at the Bear River Rancheria where they learned about local conservation and future career opportunities.

Leadership & Service: The work pod focused on enriching their school by preparing meals for students and staff, leading educational activities, and improving the campus through painting projects.

Cultural Learning & Employment Readiness Spring 2022 Learning Outcomes Food Handler's Permit CPR/First Aid Certification Self-Defense Skills Resume Workshops College/Career Opportunities Food Sovereignty Peer Leadership Environmental Conservation Pine Nut Processing Hazel & Willow Sticks Gathering Community & Campus Improvement And so much more!

Youth Evaluations After participating in youth employment programing, youth surveys showed an increase in social connection and hope, and a decrease in attitudes towards risky behavior.

Youth reported a 15% increase in believing they would do good things with their lives.

After participating, 90% of youth would NOT ride in a car with someone who had been drinking alcohol 80% of participants felt they had someone they could reach out to if they were having a hard time.

Youth Reflections Youth Ambassadors participated in exit interviews at the end of the program.

All the youth stated that they felt supported by their supervisor. The pod supervisor "was absolutely amazing and humble and collaborative and fun."

Many stated that the program has helped improve their social skills.

Youth said the work experience they gained will help them with future employment opportunities. "I know more what to say and how to interact.

I learned what is appropriate in the workplace."

Highlights for most of the youth were the outdoor activities & opportunities to explore places outside of Hoopa.

A common challenge was working and collaborating with others in the work pod.

What's Next?

Good News!

In February, Two Feathers received a grant through Elevate Youth California to help sustain our Youth Ambassador Program over the next 2 years. Our goals are to continue to improve and enhance our program as we provide healthy employment opportunities for the youth in Hoopa and surrounding areas.

Summer 2022 Program Beginning in June, youth will be invited to apply to our Summer Youth Ambassador Program. Eight high school and 2 TAY aged youth will be selected to participate in a 6 week program. Our focus will be "Building Community" and youth will be engaging in projects that positively uplift their community.