Native
Youth
Leaders
Wakáška Yuza is a youth movement dedicated to real change for our communities and the planet. We give Native/Indigenous youth the tools and training to lead powerful projects that fight racism, colonialism, and environmental destruction—locally, nationally, and globally. Ready to make an impact? Join us, connect with your people, and be a part of Wakáška Yuza.
Wakaska Yuza
Wakáška Yuza started at the American Indian Academy of Denver as a way to connect Native/Indigenous youth with culture, leadership, and our land & water. This program is here for Native/Indigenous youth navigating life in the city. We know it can be hard—feeling disconnected from nature, isolated, or unheard. Through community, culture, and wellness (mind, body, and spirit), we create a space where you belong, where you’re heard, and where you can thrive.
Youth Leadership Development
Big challenges need big thinkers. Wakáška Yuza connects Native/Indigenous youth with other Indigenous youth around the world to tackle real issues and create real solutions. This program builds leadership skills, boosts confidence, and gives hands-on experience in teamwork, public speaking, and problem-solving.
Indigenous-Led Land-Based Learning
Our land-based learning approach helps Native/Indigenous youth reconnect with the land and water in a way that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. Through immersive experiences, youth gain a deeper understanding of the history, stewardship, and environmental challenges affecting Indigenous communities today. As the climate crisis continues to impact our lands, we empower young leaders to take action and protect what has always sustained us.
Cultural Knowledge Exchange
The Wakáška Yuza Cultural Exchange is about more than just learning—it’s about sharing, connecting, and giving back. Rooted in the Indigenous value of reciprocity, this exchange creates space for Native/Indigenous youth to teach and learn from one another, building relationships based on generosity and understanding. By exploring both their similarities and differences, participants gain a deeper connection to their own identities while strengthening bonds across Indigenous communities.
Become A Wakaska Yuza Youth Ambassador
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