Implementing a Tribal Youth Program to Cultivate Change

The grant-funded program will address youth crime and public safety problems identified in the Tribal Justice and Community Profile through its use of connections and resources within the Tribal government and community organizations. Community collaborations are with Yurok Health and Human Services, Del Norte School Unified School District, Tolowa Dee-Ni' Nation, and Seamless Summer Food Distribution. The Boys & Girls Club Program of America has several curriculum programs that will be integrated with Yurok culturally appropriate themes to fit into the Yurok communities. The Boys & Girls Club curriculum will be implemented using Yurok staff and formatted in a culturally sensitive manner. The Yurok Tribe will also implement Tribal-specific education and recreational activities, such as traditional food demonstrations like salmon cooking on redwood sticks and acorn cooking in traditional Yurok woven baskets, along with Yurok canoe rides, Yurok fishing guides, eel basket weaving, regalia crafting, and Yurok dressmaking. A resolution signed by the Tribal chairperson has been in effect for many years. It has given the Tribe the ability to conduct prevention activities, support families who are currently engaged in the justice system and reintegrate the families and youth within their communities across the Yurok Tribe service area, which includes Eureka, McKinleyville, Arcata, the Weitchpec/Orleans area, Klamath, Crescent City, and a few other smaller locales.