About the Council
The Inter-Tribal Youth Council of Nebraska aims to empower Indigenous youth through cultural awareness, education support, health promotion, and career development initiatives. The council, made up of Indigenous middle and high schoolers grades 7-12, will serve as a vital resource for Indigenous youth to help them to have a voice in shaping issues that impact their lives and the lives of their families.
Program Structure
The Inter-Tribal Youth Council of Nebraska is structured around the medicine wheel concept with four interconnected components supporting a central mission.
East: Give a Voice to Indigenous Youth in Nebraska
- Establish youth-led advocacy initiatives
- Create platforms for youth to share experiences and ideas
- Address community relations and identify issues
South: Promote and Enhance Cultural Awareness and Identity
- Organize cultural events and workshops
- Facilitate integrational knowledge transfer
- Support reconnection with traditional values and practices
West: Promote Health and Welfare Among Indigenous Youth
- Implement mental health and substance abuse prevention programs
- Provide resources for physical health and wellness
- Address issues of missing and murdered Indigenous women
North: Support Higher Education and Career Development
- Offer mentorship and tutoring programs
- Organize college and career fairs tailored to Indigenous youth
- Provide guidance on higher education opportunities and career pathways
