Tonkawa Tribe "Caching Our Tribal Treasures"

With input from Tribal leaders and the community, a comprehensive program, “Caching our Tribal Treasures,” has been developed. It is used in the context of installing in youth the history, culture, and tradition of the Tonkawa Tribe. The program will focus on prevention, intervention, and treatment. It will provide activities that will help youth have a better understanding of where they come from and the importance of the Tribe’s lands and ancestors. The basis of the program will be a Geo-Caching (treasure hunting) activity that will occur every year of the grant. Art activities and sports-related activities will be on a rotating basis throughout the five-year grant period. Adults will act as mentors through the various activities The program will advocate for parents/mentors to take an active role in helping their child. Cultural activities will be included every year of the grant and youth will participate in a variety of cultural activities. Intervention activities will consist of youth who have participated in delinquent activities or are in the justice system, performing community service in the Tribal gardens and pollinator garden at Chilocco. The Tonkawa Tribe has an MOU with White Eagle Behavioral Health to provide counseling/treatment services for those youth who suffer from domestic/sexual abuse, drug and alcohol use issues, or any mental health issues. Intended beneficiaries include Tribal children, children living in the Tribal jurisdiction, and children who belong to other nearby Tribes.