Many of our young people are struggling and trying to find their identity and path. NWI is dedicated to giving Native youth the skills, confidence and self-esteem they will need to live —in a good way —in today's world.

Our youth leadership and athletic camps, academies and gatherings allow our youth to make a "head to heart" connection and understand the "why" of the often negative behaviors they see and experiance how we can promote and maintain living by the "Warrior's Spirit.”

NWI trainers have over twenty years of experience in hosting Native youth gatherings, trainings, workshops, mentoring and conferences.  These youth-specific programs allow young people an opportunity to share, grow, develop new skills, heal, meet new people, learn about other Native cultures and learn strategies to get and stay on a wellness path. 

NWI Can Bring Our Youth Programs to You!
NWI can design specific youth camps, academies and gatherings and come to your community, school or organization to offer a Native Youth Leadership Academy, Athletic Leadership Camp, and other types of youth training specific to the needs of your community. 

Our Youth Trainers are skilled in a wide range of topics — from leadership development, healthy relationships to sexuality, self esteem and resiliency, conflict resolution, healing and wellness, historical trauma, substance abuse, and many more.  For more details or arrange a program for your community, call 503-666-7669.

Culture and Leadership Camp
Each summer, NWI hosts a Culture and Leadership Camp to promote cultural pride and to learn the teachings of our ancestors. This camp offers youth from different Nations a fun and exciting opportunity to camp outdoors, respect nature, and learn traditional games, crafts, songs and leadership skills.  Click here to see this year’s agenda (or sample agenda.)

Summer Native Youth Leadership Academy (NYLA)
Our Summer NYLA is held each summer on a college campus. The focus is to prepare youth for successful future pursuits, community involvement, leadership development opportunities, while also teaching them cultural pride.

Winter Native Youth Leadership Academy (NYLA)

The Native Wellness Institute hosted its annual winter Native Youth Leadership Academy (NYLA) and Adults Working with Native Youth training in San Diego December 2 - 5, 2009 at the beautiful Kona Kai Resort. 150 youth and adults gathered from throughout Indian Country to learn new skills, meet new people and enjoy a positive gathering of youth, adults and elders.

"The purpose of the NYLA is to provide our young people with an opportunity to learn, grow, heal, laugh and fill their hearts and minds with positive people, energy and wisdom" stated Robert Johnston, NWI founding board member and lead youth trainer. The training began with a traditional tobacco ceremony to help the young people understand how serious it was for them to step up and take a leadership role. The event featured a cultural sharing night, clan work, traditional games, low ropes course, dinner and dance and presentations from the adults. At the end youth groups were challenged to take their messages of wellness home with them and provide an education session at their school or in their community.

One participant shared: "Thank you from my entire heart. This experience has done so much for me you don't even know. I can't wait to go back and show my cultural pride!"

Both trainings will take place in San Diego the first week of December 2010. We hope to see you there!

NEW Native Youth Athletic Leadership Camp (ALC)
Coming in the summer of 2009, the Native Wellness Institute will offer our Native Youth Athletic Leadership Camp.  The camp will emphasize team building, motivation, goal setting and competition, as well as advanced skill development for our more serious young athletes. Keep an eye on our website for more information!

Adults Working with Native Youth Training (AWNY)
NWI takes pride in offering 2 to 3 day training opportunities to assist adults who work with Native youth.  These interactive sessions cover communicating with young people, importance of team-building, youth council development, working with difficult youth, motivating and encouraging youth and other important topics.  NWI offers this training one time a year during our Winter NYLA and can also provide it directly in your community.