SEATTLE – The Native Wellness Institute in Gresham, Ore., is one of 14 organizations in 11 states awarded funding for environmental literacy and stewardship programs by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The institute received $99,670 for Native Youth Environment Warriors, a nationwide program for American Indian/Alaska Native teens age 13 to 18. At a four-day Native Youth Leadership Academy, participants further developed their leadership skills, environmental stewardship projects, and engaged members of their communities in implementing those projects.
The EPA awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to government agencies, nonprofits, schools and universities whose projects strive to increase awareness and knowledge about the environment.
The Native Wellness Institute emerged as a result of the wellness movement of the 1980s and 1990s to help Native people heal from historical trauma and oppression by lifting one another up and promoting compassion, resiliency and respect.
The institute provides technical assistance and training based in Native culture, to help Native people make positive changes in their lives, and in their families, communities and workplaces.
Richard Walker is a correspondent reporting from San Juan Island, Wash. Contact him at rmwalker@rockisland.com.
