‘ataaxum Pomkwaan Expands Native Youth Programs with San Diego Foundation Grant
‘ataaxum Pomkwaan, a San Diego County-based Native American-led nonprofit, is expanding its Native Youth Stewardship Series through 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 strengthening cultural identity, bolstering a sense of belonging, and improving school climates for Native youth across San Diego County’s reservation communities, including Rincon, Pala, Santa Ysabel, San Pasqual, and Los Coyotes. Ami Admire, executive director of ‘ataaxum Pomkwaan, emphasizes that the organization is giving children a voice, teaching them to embrace their language and culture, and fostering leadership skills. The SDF grant is funded through its Growth, Education and Mentorship for Student Scholars (GEMS) initiative, which supports expanded learning programs for middle school students to combat declining attendance and increasing disciplinary actions during this critical period.
