The Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program (IYEP) is a youth program for Indigenous youth currently residing on the Fort Belknap Indian reservation.

Each year, the IYEP powwow mentorship offers indigenous youth on Fort Belknap the opportunity to learn and explore their identity through Nakoda & Aaniiih art, culture, language, traditional games, stories, music, and dance. We mentor indigenous youth on how to plan, organize, fundraise and manage 7 youth powwows on the Fort Belknap reservation.

IYEP's ultimate goal is to increase knowledge and skills for youth and families on Nakoda and Aaniiih traditions, culture, history, food, language, stories, dance & music.

IYEP's goal is to produce young Indigenous leaders, provide meaningful direction and mentoring, increase employment & entrepreneurship opportunities for Indigenous youth and promote learning of the diversity and richness of Nakoda and Aaniiih cultures and traditions.

While the core program is consistent year to year, evolution in project learning and innovation in partnerships and use of digital media delivers new elements. IYEP has assisted in increasing the number of youth powwow dancers in 2023.

IYEP is co-organized by the IYE volunteer committee and indigenous youth who are supported by NAEDC, Fort Belknap TIWAHE and other Fort Belknap tribal programs. This unique collaboration of tribal partners and organisations helps make the IYEP program and events possible for our indigenous youth on Fort Belknap.

For more information about the IYEP, please contact Jeremy Richey, Youth Leadership Coordinator: jeremy.richey@fbcedc.org

The Native Youth Program is on Instagram and Facebook! Follow the journeys of the IYEP on the NAEDC website www.fortbelknapcedc.org.