Rooted in tradition, fighting for the future

Indigenous Youth Initiative

Special Updates

The 2025 IYI Training

Our Earth Guardians Indigenous Youth Initiative (IYI) Training was a gathering of emerging Indigenous leaders from across Turtle Island designed to amplify our voices and build the leadership skills needed to address some of the world’s most pressing issues. Our training is rooted in the resurgence of our traditional values and practices as the solution to the climate crisis.

If you are an Indigenous youth (age 18-30) who is interested in this program, keep an eye out for details on our upcoming 2026 training.

The Indigenous Youth Initiative

The Indigenous Youth Initiative (IYI) program empowers Indigenous youth through virtual & in-person training that teaches practical applications of youth leadership models in environmental justice and Indigenous rights.

Within IYI, participants celebrate, honor, & share their traditions while developing social & environmental justice leadership skills. Training equips them to lead change in traditional ecological knowledge, food sovereignty, environmental/social justice issues, reclamation of story, multimedia techniques, Native nation-building, non-violent direct action, campaign development, cultural resilience, and decolonization.

Our IYI director mentors Indigenous-led Crews to continue guiding their activism journey, focusing on uplifting Indigenous nations.