The Department of the Interior has recently revealed nearly $3.5 million in grants for the 2023 Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC). Secretary Deb Haaland initiated the IYSC as a collaborative program to offer Indigenous youth meaningful public service opportunities. These initiatives aim to support the conservation and protection of natural and cultural resources through various activities, such as construction, restoration, or rehabilitation. The announcement encompasses eight projects involving over 20 Tribes and Tribal organizations, marking a significant step in fostering Indigenous stewardship.
Secretary Deb Haaland, reflecting on her childhood experiences in New Mexico, emphasized the deep connection individuals have with the earth. Inspired by this connection, she launched the IYSC to empower the next generation of Native leaders. The program focuses on co-stewardship of public lands and the application of Indigenous Knowledge, aiming to strengthen the connection between young people and the lands and waters their ancestors have cared for throughout history.
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland highlighted the dual impact of the program, providing vocational skills training and career development opportunities for Native youth. He expressed the importance of early and frequent exposure to nature in fostering the next generation of Indigenous land stewards. The IYSC is a collaborative effort between the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce, following established guidelines developed in consultation with Indian Tribes, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other stakeholders.
The 2023 IYSC grants include $560,000 awarded to the Ahtna Cultural Heritage Youth Program in Alaska. This initiative, based at the Ahtna Cultural Center within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, aims to promote federal-Tribal co-stewardship and expanded job opportunities for Ahtna’s Native youth.
The Ahtna Cultural Heritage Youth Program encourages youth participants to engage in the protection and interpretation of natural, cultural, and historical resources. Through interpretive programs on Ahtna culture and language, youth interns gain valuable experience in leadership, customer service, interpretation, social media, and public speaking.
The program facilitates a connection with Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, providing hands-on experience in natural and cultural resource management, visitor services, and facilities.
Ahtna, Inc. and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve have collaborated to implement an internship program targeting Alaska Native youth with ties to the Ahtna region. The internship, designed as a pilot program, ensures maximum flexibility to meet project objectives. Activities may include general orientation, training in customer service and interpretive skills, hands-on experience in publications development, and involvement in projects related to natural and cultural resource management.
The 2023 Indian Youth Service Corps grants represent a significant investment in the development of Tribal capacity for conservation, natural resource management, and climate resilience. Through these initiatives, Indigenous youth gain valuable skills and contribute to the protection and preservation of their natural and cultural heritage. The Ahtna Cultural Heritage Youth Program serves as an exemplary model, fostering a deep connection with the land and providing opportunities for future employment within the National Park Service and beyond.