What's Happening?
The San Diego County-based Native American-led nonprofit, 'ataaxum Pomkwaan, is expanding its Native Youth Stewardship Series thanks to a grant from the San Diego Foundation (SDF). 'ataaxum Pomkwaan, which translates to 'For the People,' focuses on preserving
Indigenous customs and communities by empowering Native youth. The organization's executive director, Ami Admire, emphasizes that their work gives children a voice, teaches them to celebrate their culture and language, and helps them understand their identity. The grant is part of SDF's Growth, Education and Mentorship for Student Scholars (GEMS) initiative, which aims to support expanded learning programs for middle school students. This summer, the funded project, 'We Are Sacred: Advancing Educational Equity for Native Indigenous Youth,' included a restoration day at Buena Vista Lagoon and a trip to the UNITY/United National Indian Tribal Youth’s 50th Annual National Conference in Oklahoma City. These activities are designed to strengthen cultural identity, foster a sense of belonging, and improve school environments for Native youth across San Diego County's reservation communities, including Rincon, Pala, Santa Ysabel, San Pasqual, and Los Coyotes.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for addressing historical injustices and fostering positive development within Native American communities in San Diego County. By providing platforms for cultural preservation and leadership development, 'ataaxum Pomkwaan helps counter the effects of past government-sanctioned genocide and supports the well-being of descendants. The GEMS initiative's focus on middle school students is particularly significant, as this period often sees declines in attendance and increases in disciplinary actions, impacting long-term academic outcomes. Programs like the Native Youth Stewardship Series can provide critical support during these formative years, helping students stay engaged in school, build trusted relationships, and prepare for future academic and life milestones. The success stories, such as youth who have been with the program since third grade now contributing as cultural bearers and educators, highlight the long-term positive impact on individual lives and community resilience. Furthermore, the program's ability to transform school climates, as seen in one middle school where an Indigenous club became more active, suspensions fell, and academic performance improved, demonstrates its tangible benefits.
What's Next?
With the support of the San Diego Foundation grant, 'ataaxum Pomkwaan will continue to expand the reach of its Native Youth Stewardship Series. This expansion will likely involve more events and programs similar to the 'We Are Sacred' project, focusing on cultural restoration, educational equity, and leadership development for Native youth. The organization will continue its collaborations with partners to offer diverse experiences, such as further trips to national conferences and local community engagement activities. The ongoing support from SDF's GEMS initiative suggests a sustained effort to invest in proven community programs that benefit middle school students. 'ataaxum Pomkwaan will also likely continue its advocacy efforts, building on past successes where youth engaged with school administrators to address microaggressions and promote student advocacy. The organization's commitment to serving those who may not be thriving indicates a continued focus on outreach and support for vulnerable youth within Native communities.
Beyond the Headlines
The work of 'ataaxum Pomkwaan extends beyond immediate educational and cultural benefits, touching upon deeper societal implications related to Indigenous sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and systemic equity. By empowering Native youth to embrace their language and culture, the program actively contributes to the decolonization of education and the strengthening of Indigenous identities that have historically been suppressed. The emphasis on leadership development and self-advocacy equips these young individuals to challenge existing narratives and advocate for their communities' needs. The program's success in improving school climates and academic outcomes also highlights the importance of culturally relevant education and support systems in addressing educational disparities faced by Native American students. Furthermore, the collaborative approach with various philanthropic organizations underscores a growing recognition within the broader community of the need to invest in Indigenous-led initiatives for genuine social change and reconciliation. This model of community-driven, culturally grounded support offers a powerful example for other regions seeking to uplift and empower their Native populations.
