January 2023
Two Feathers Leadership Development Program provides paid opportunities where Native youth can develop leadership and work skills, connection, and wellness. The Leadership Program was developed in the Summer of 2021. Two Feathers saw a need for multi-stressed youth to feel empowered through positive, culturally affirming opportunities to engage in their community.
The positive outcomes that our first "Youth Ambassadors" experienced, inspired Two Feathers to develop a pilot program that focused on supporting youth and young adults in developing leadership and advocacy skills while also expanding their connection to cultural learning and knowledge. The popularity of the program among youth and the growth they experienced, led Two Feathers to implement the Leadership Development program as one of our core programs.
Shanley Masten
Work Pod Lead
Hoopa High School
Kendal Dummer
Youth Mentor
Eastern Humboldt
Coastal Humboldt
Wakara Scott
Work Pod Lead
Coastal Humboldt
Yvonne Guido
Work Pod Lead
Eureka Community School
Amy Mathieson Program Manager Eastern Humboldt
Keoki Burbank Program Manager
Work Pods (5) (27 Youth Ambassadors) Gender
LGBTQ2S: 3 Youth (11%)
Foster Care: 4 Youth (15%)
Housing Insecure: 4 Youth (15%)
Schools Attended
City/Town
Number of Hours Worked
Goal: 5-10 hours per week 89% met
Tribal Affiliations: Yurok, Hoopa, Karuk, Fort Peck, Trinidad Rancheria, Resighini Rancheria, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo, Wylaki, Cherokee
Gathering Acorns
Youth Ambassadors from both the coast and Eastern Humboldt gathered Tan Oak Acorns with Lois and Steve Risling, Dr Cutcha Risling-Baldy, and Rachel Sundberg The youth and adults had the opportunity to gather and learn from some of our cultural leaders and interact with youth from different work pods Emmy award winning production company “From the Range” followed along and filmed for the upcoming Cal Poly NAS Food Sovereignty Lab film series and the youth were able to share their experiences with the film makers. After gathering, stories, lunch, and laughter were shared.
College of the Redwoods Tour
Captain John Youth Ambassadors went on a guided tour of the College of the Redwoods The youth were interactive and asked thoughtful questions to the guide The youth showed interest in the campus resources, multicultural center, academic and trades programs, and dorm rooms Many of the youth stated that they hadn't considered College of the Redwoods as an option for them but were excited about the possibility After this day, one of our Youth Ambassadors applied to the college and has been accepted!
Huckleberry Gathering
Eureka Community School Youth Ambassadors went out on the hunt for huckleberries The work pod started in Manilla and hiked way out into the dunes We found what few berries were left and more importantly, youth from all different aspects of life were able to find connections Each youth shared that they were wanting to learn more about their culture and make positive changes in their lives The group finished their hunt at Sumeg Village where they walked around looking at the houses The work pod would like to return to the village to participate in Ceremonies
Hoopa Youth Football and Cheer
Youth Ambassadors supported the community by participating in Hoopa Youth Football and Cheer games. They helped in all sorts of ways like announcing, running the scoreboard, helping with the chains, working in the concession stand, and cleaning up. They were integral in helping the football games and cheer competitions go smoothly. Many community members complimented the youth on their willingness to help, positive attitudes, and overall work ethics Youth Ambassadors shared that they enjoyed interacting with their community in such a positive way
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR AMAZING YOUTH WHO HAVE SHOWN GROWTH OVER THIS PAST 10 WEEK SESSION.
Mariah Rhamy
Mariah has stepped out of her comfort zone and has been able to work independently at Two Feathers' community events. When she first started the program, she did not know much about her Native culture and her work pod leader has seen growth in her interest in learning more about her cultural identity and history. Mariah has been consistent in her attendance and positive attitude and we are excited to see her continued growth
Daymond Brown
Daymond began working as a Youth Ambassador during the summer of 2022. His work ethic has improved immensely over the time and displays pride in the work he does. Daymond has shown initiative in group settings with tasks that need to be accomplished. As you can see by his photo, Daymond brings joy and laughter to his work, which is appreciated by all. We are excited to see where this young man's future takes him.
Annai Battle
Annai Battle has shown growth in many aspects including leadership, relationships, and communication. Other Youth Ambassadors look to her as a leader, ask her questions, and look to her as a role model. She was engaged and communicated effectively and appropriately with her work pod leaders. She has become a huge asset to our Leadership Program and we look forward to continuing to see how her skills develop.
Shontay Crane
At the beginning of the session Shontay had a hard time showing up and engaging. Throughout the 10 weeks she began to consistently attend work and communicate with her supervisor She did an excellent job stepping-up in multiple roles at Two Feathers events. At the Youth Leadership Summit she utilized her voice to engage in the workshops. Shontay has been reflective on her own growth and recognized areas of improvement. We are excited to walk with her on her journey.
Twenty four Youth Ambassadors participated in Two Feathers' first ever youth leadership conference. The summit's theme was "Empowering Youth on the Move." They spent the day building relationships with their peers, increasing their leadership skills, and learning how they can empower themselves and their communities. They attended workshops focused on financial empowerment, sharing their voice through art, improvisation, settling up and resolving conflict, and the short film Long Line of Ladies.
Youth Feedback
One youth stated that they learned that empowerment is "overcoming obstacles that are not easy, but most definitely possible."
Another youth stated that they "feel more connected with my culture and feel like I'm more aware about stuff I wasn't so sure of."
Highlights for the youth were the financial empowerment workshop and the discussion on "Long Line of Ladies."
Many of them stated that the Youth Speaker, Irene Powell, was powerful in the way she spoke honestly and bravely about her experiences
e youth participated in work pods in Eastern Humboldt County this Fall, of those who participated 12 completed a pre-test survey prior to the nd 10 completed a post-test survey at the end of the 10 week session.
Fifteen youth participated in work pods in Eastern Humboldt County this Fall, and of those who participated 6 completed both a pre-test survey prior to the start and a post-test survey at the end of the 10 week session.
Youth participated in interviews with their work pod leaders at the end of their 10-week session. Some common themes emerged.
A theme that came up several times, was that youth sometimes struggled to fit work into their busy schedules. One youth stated "the whole month of October I struggled to attend work since I had another thing going on with Mckinleyville High School for Halloween. But I still tried to attend and enjoyed it!"
Many youth mentioned that they felt proud when working at the various Two Feathers' community events. Others stated they were proud in their ability to work harder and accomplishing tasks. For instance, one youth stated that they "usually always feel proud because I'm surrounded by positive people and know I'm doing good."
Youth said that their experience in the work pod helped them gain experience in job readiness, communication skills, and social skills.
Most of the youth stated that the hardest part of their experience was feeling comfortable with social situations and engaging with new people. All of the youth reported feeling supported by their supervisor. There was overwhelmingly positive feedback about the youth's experiences in the program. One youth stated "This has been one of the best experiences of my entire life and I hope that I can continue working in the work pods over the summer!" and when another was asked what advice they would give to future Youth Ambassadors they said "just try to make time to go to the events you’re scheduled to work, be open-minded and have fun! This is the coolest job ever."
Involvement in Two Feathers events: Two Feathers events gives youth expanded opportunities for work hours and they feel proud of their positive work in the community.
Flexible hours: They are key to youth participation in the program with their busy schedules. Opportunities with clubs extra-curricular activities Two Feathers activities & even
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Be on the lookout for these upcoming opportunities & more!
Transitional Aged Work Pod: Spring 2023 hire 2-3 youth (18-24) in Eastern Humboldt
Coastal Work Pod: 1 Additional work pod in Coastal Humboldt. Increased focus on youth outcomes and tailoring programming to established strategic goals.
Improve evaluation methods: All youth ambassadors complete pre and post surveys, asset surveys, and exit interviews.
2023 Spring Session Schedule: Two 8-Week Sessions in Spring.
Spring Youth Ambassador Summit
Expanded Trainings for Work Pod Leaders: Provide support and tools to continuing quality programming for work pod leaders.
