San Diego Foundation Grant Expands Native Youth Stewardship Series for Cultural Identity and School Climate Improvement
'ataaxum Pomkwaan, a Native American-led nonprofit in San Diego County, is expanding its Native Youth Stewardship Series thanks to a grant from the San Diego Foundation (SDF). The organization, whose name translates to 'For the People,' aims to preserve Indigenous customs and communities by empowering Native youth. The series serves young people across San Diego County’s reservation communities, including Rincon, Pala, Santa Ysabel, San Pasqual, and Los Coyotes. The primary goals of the expanded program are to strengthen cultural identity, foster a sense of belonging, and improve school climates for Native youth. Ami Admire, executive director of 'ataaxum Pomkwaan, emphasizes that the organization is giving children a voice, teaching them the importance of their language, culture, and identity. The grant is part of SDF’s Growth, Education and Mentorship for Student Scholars (GEMS) initiative, which focuses on supporting expanded learning programs for middle school students during a critical developmental p...