We explore health and biological sciences, native foods, ethno-botany and coastal traditions. Over the past 20 years of our program's existence, we have identified what is needed to reverse health disparities amongst our Native population.  As part of the holistic approach to indigenize education, our programming includes nutrition, exercise, and cultural-based practice. Wellness is addressed through daily instruction in Mind-Body-Spirit Yoga class, “Gentle-Warrior” Surfing Class, and "Food as Medicine"/ Native Foods demonstrations.

Goals for Bio-Science, Wellness and Nutrition Curriculum:

• Provide a physical healthy learning environment in tune to students' educational needs.

• Provide access to the University setting and function; allow valuable insight in developing goals and dreams.

• Introduce alternatives for better health and nutrition as a priority: assist in choices for physical activity, obesity and common disease prevention.

• Provide a prevention clinic and exploration into sustainable organic life-styles, cultural diets, stimulating concern and consciousness for physical maintenance.

• Increase self-esteem and self-worth and provide a toolbox for self-maintenance.

• Exposure to various health professions and opportunities in medical science/integrated health that will offer career solutions towards assisting own communities.

• Develop Retention programming, linking a network of pre-college, college, graduates, staff and professional mentors.

• Provide holistic learning experience in the development of culture, health and education advocates.

• Success in reaching youth is evident in lessons and values shared with a wider network as leaders once they leave the program.

• Provide a Cultural Reference Point for self and each other. Establish a base of understanding Native Culture(s) within American society.

Mind, Body, Spirit, Yoga: Jerome Gross has been in private practice as a Hypnotherapist since 1995 and has been teaching yoga for 20 years and with ITY for over 18 years. As Founder / Director of the Effulgence Academy, Jerome teaches this specialized mind-body-wellness routine at fitness centers and holistic health centers as well as to individual clients since 2002. Mr. Gross also taught physical education for two years and developed programs for San Diego City School's Race and Human Relations and Health Integration Program.

Students are presented with the tools and strategies to develop positive qualities and highest potential physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Jerome has studied and experienced native traditions, making it relative cultural needs and personal success. The specific tools and strategies taught in the mini lessons will culminate into a routine that Jerome developed for the San Diego Public Schools and in private practice as a spiritual counselor and therapist, called the Process of EFFULGENCE™.

Surfing, Water and Coastal Culture.
Bringing Indigenous Youth back to the water is vital.

Years ago, many Indigenous people were removed from their coastal homes and way of life. Loss of habitat, for any species, is the largest cause for extinction. ITY strongly believes re-introduction to ocean recreation, earth sciences, biology, and cultural research can benefit the youth and contribute, intellectually, to the university’s context on diversity.

Surfing Arts and "Gentle Warrior Approach" to Cultural Practice Instruction: Kaliko Kahoonei is a 3rd generation waterman from Hawaii. His uncles and grandfather were some of the early divers, fisherman and surfers of Hawaiis westside. Kaliko specializes in SUP surfing and longboard. Along with that, he is the operator and instructor for crafts such as SUPsquatch a 6 person (or more ) Paddleboard as well as tandem bodyboarding.
Additional Surf Coaching and Physical Education Crew: Grace Rolón, Amon Chavez.

Optional offering: Jeffery L. Jackson, "Gentle Warrior Approach" to Self-Defense. Executive Director of One World BRIDGE, Native American Chaplin and former National Champion, Jackson practice is based in meditation, respect, protection of yourself and family.
Surfing

"Native Like Water" Coastal Culture, Recreation, and Science Education Program combats health disparities for local and non-local youth we host.  With our kick off "Native Like Water" event with the Kingdom of Hawaii's Na Kama Kai Program, InterTribal Youth from Southern California were provided a field study on a working model to bridge culture, recreation and science.

Each of us has the power to rewrite our genetic history and combat the diseases of our recent fore fathers. We have the power to heal and sustain health, provided we have access to correct information, recreational opportunities, and are able to see the connection to all living things - to water -to the aina (land)- and to organic native foods as medicine.

Surf and Food as Medicine:

Every time we talk to ITY/ Native Like Water Program Alumni, they always remember the excellent food we serve. Since day one, our program has focused on supplying our youth with organic food, best culinary experts, and the re-introduction of native foods. Diet has been the base to our program's success. Our programs are equipped with professional Outfitter and Chef whom takes care of our water, snacks and nutritional needs. Many, for the first time, experience healthy food that tastes good. Youth are hooked and this provides the most vital lesson for life.

NLW has the honor of having Trisha "Mama T" Gonsalves  join our leadership as Assistant Director of our Wellness and Nutritional Program in both California, Hawaii and on the sea. Mama T is a passionate advocate of using sustainable practices to grow food organically and use food as medicine. "Ancient ways in modern days" is her motto. She teaches on a regular basis on the Hawaiian Islands, cooks for musical artists, and has a regular radio and television cooking segment on KHON Channel 2 in Hawaii.

Below, Old School News Segmant, LOL going back 20 Years. This is considered "old school" if you were a teenager 15 years ago. Check out the hairstyles and clothes. LOL. Watch it all the way through, 2 segments, one morning. BTW, No using soy milk now-a-days.