Youth Serviced by program: 15
Mentors and Youth Leaders service the program: 6
Cal, HSU, Professionals, Elders who service the program: 15

Academic Enrichment Adventure

• Wildlife Observation, River Rafting

• Academic Guidance / College Prep Workshop

• Traditional Environmental Knowledge/ Indigenous Science

• Cultural Education

• Nutrition & Wellness

Eligibility
2023 Nor Cal program is designed for Intertribal Youth in Collaboration with Sacramento Native American Health Center for ages 12-18 and from all educational backgrounds, regardless of their GPA.

Our academic focus is based on a holistic approach. This approach allows youth to easily tap their potential. Historically, each of our youth go on to make a positive contribution to their community and world. Youth primarily come from California, with Native youth often joining us from Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and other parts of the nation.

This program often fills. Contact us soon and we will send the registration form.

Arrival/Departure Point: Berkeley (Oakland) California:  Airport/Train/Bus pick-up provided by our InterTribal Youth Staff.

Day-to-Day Itinerary* (*Tentative: subject to change)

Day 1, 2: Oakland and Berkeley, California Arrival Day, Greetings, Orientation and check-in. UC Berkeley Campus Tour and social . 

Day 3,4: 101 North to Humboldt and Patrick Point State Park We take to the road and head up the 101, across rolling hills and through ancient Redwood Forests along the Eel River. We observe the plants and earth that is so vital to local people and future generations. We stop at Humboldt State University. This is the second branch of the California State University (CSU) System. ITY is hosted for lunch with the new Native American Forum and Native Outreach at HSU, and stop by their Wildlife Department, exploring our personal creativity with art, storytelling and environmental science.

Up the road, aside the Trinidad Rancheria, we visit the Humboldt State research center for Oceanic and Geologic Studies to gain a deeper understanding of our relationship with the sea and atmosphere. We will then go to Trinidad Pier and have a snack along the seaside reservation of Trinidad Rancheria, one of the many jewels on our trip. We will engage in Traditional Tribal Gaming and Recreation activity with HSU students and ITY Alum.

North of Humboldt, the landscape becomes even more dramatic as nature is the impact. Elk, bears, whales, and giant redwoods provide a feeling of awe and amazement. We will finish the evening fire-side along the Pacific Ocean and Traditional-style Sumeg Village site at Patrick's Point State Park.

(Option) Klamath River, Yurok Tribe/ Hoopa Reservation The clarity and freshness of the Klamath River, Pacific Ocean and experience of land-based living. Local cultural is alive in nature. We will spend the day learning from the people and guardians of the land. For thousands of years, harmony was kept with the grounds.  Educated tribal members hold department positions in leadership, Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife to maintain balance and ward off threats to the environment and traditional lifestyles. We learn from struggle, tradition and how it relates to the human family.

Day 4,5,6: Trinity River/Hoopa Valley Reservation: We will join a agenda of fun cultural events. The river rafting excursion with Hoopa's Warrior Institute is always the most anticipated .  This is a highlight of the trip. (note to parents: at this time of year, these are not dangerous rapids). We spot many birds, Bald Eagles , bears and wildlife as we float down river and through rock ravines. The spirit of Hoopa Valley and her people is profound along the river. We stop along the way, playing in the clear waters,  receive Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), have lunch, and continue on before the best traditional Salmon dinner imaginable. We will share with Hoopa's Cultural Elders, Youth Leaders, Wildlife Department, and the original villages of the Hoopa People. We finish the evening with story-telling, songs, burnt marshmallows and campfire fun. A feeling comes over you like we could be here forever.

Day 7: San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz We leave campsite and head back down the coast to the San Francisco Bay area. We go to the pier which will take us to the island commonly known as Alcatraz. Local National Park Ranger hosts us, as we are provided with the Al Capone Era Prison history, Indian Occupation, Spanish Fort and Ohlone stories of this sacred place. Our Journey will come full circle as we ponder our choices between cultural freedom, sovereignty and the constant threat of Indian incarceration.

As we sit out on Alcatraz Island looking into the bay, we ponder our choices in life, our future, and how we can be good for our community. Inspired by our journey, it is time of reflection and thought. We will return to Berkeley and gather for the evening and share in our experiences before returning home.

Day 8: Berkeley/Departure It sits on the hill side of the East San Francisco Bay with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay and ocean. This day you begin a journey in knowledge of self, others and greater horizons. Participate in academics and culture. Berkeley has one of the largest repository of Native culture on the west coast.  We begin by taking an emotional look into the past. Our presents are here and we are thankful to our Native Cal Bears

Departure for Home: Our tour and personal journey ends for now as we transition and continue on a path of success, refreshed. Oakland's very own, American Indian Child and Resource Center (AICRC) hosts program closure and Recognition of participants. We wish everyone well as we commit to a better world for ourselves, family and future generations. Bear hugs.
Aho.
Airport drop-off provided by Staff.

Those Sacramento Native American Health Center please register here. Others not from Sacramento, please contact us for registration form. First come basis for this program. A confirmation packet with all details, waivers, and what to bring is mailed/ emailed when registration form and deposit are received

Transportation to the meeting points at Berkeley are not included in the shared registration fee. ITY does provide courtesy personal airport pick-up by our staff.  

During the programs, all food, lodging, materials, instruction, mentor/chaperones, snacks, and events are included.

Worth it: Consider comparing the cost of a normal 3-day youth conference registration fee, hotel cost, food, and (lack of personal) mentorship. One can see the obvious value, and decency of the “shared registration fee” and ITY Programs.

Nor Cal Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Click Here

Open doors of opportunity for youth. If you are interesting in sponsoring a matching donation for youth scholarships, we have a list of youth with below poverty financial need. Please contacts us.