Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program (IYEP)

The Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program (IYEP) supports Indigenous youth both on and off the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Our mission is to enhance the knowledge and skills of youth and families in Nakoda and Aaniiih traditions, culture, history, food, language, stories, dance, and music. By providing meaningful guidance and mentorship, IYEP aims to cultivate young Indigenous leaders, celebrate the richness of Nakoda and Aaniiih cultures, and open doors to employment and entrepreneurship for Indigenous youth.

We partner with local schools (Hays/Lodgepole, Harlem, and Dodson), tribal programs, and other nonprofit organizations to host a variety of cultural, educational, and wellness events throughout the year. During the summer, we co-host cultural camps on the Fort Belknap Reservation, offering youth and families opportunities for personal growth, cultural continuity, and community resilience. These camps help Indigenous youth build a strong sense of identity and purpose, deeply rooted in their heritage.

During the spring and fall months, we organize outdoor cultural, historical, and wellness activities, including hikes, field trips, geocaching, and nature scavenger hunts, to engage youth with their environment in meaningful ways.

Our NAEDC staff, certified in traditional Native games, also offer game demonstrations to schools, colleges, partners, and other organizations. Native games are far more than recreational activities—they embody a holistic approach to wellness that nurtures both body and spirit. These games promote physical fitness, resilience, and intergenerational connection while serving as a vital link to cultural teachings. Beyond physical benefits, Native games instill values like teamwork, perseverance, and cultural pride, making them an essential part of Indigenous heritage.

Moreover, Native games integrate STEM principles—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—through hands-on learning grounded in Indigenous traditions. They often involve problem-solving, strategic thinking, and an understanding of natural sciences. For instance, participants might explore geometry for aiming, physics for movement and balance, and environmental science to craft tools from natural materials. These games engage youth with STEM concepts in a way that also honors and preserves cultural heritage.

Each year, IYEP’s powwow mentorship program offers youth the chance to explore their identity through Nakoda and Aaniiih art, language, traditional games, stories, music, and dance. This program teaches them how to plan, organize, fundraise, and manage seven youth powwows on the Fort Belknap Reservation.

While our core program remains consistent, IYEP evolves each year with innovative projects, new partnerships, and the integration of digital media. Since 2022, we proudly contributed to an increase in youth powwow dancers and singers on the Fort Belknap Indian reservation.

IYEP is made possible through a collaboration of a volunteer committee, Indigenous youth, and the support of the Nakoda Aaniiih Economic Development Corporation (NAEDC), Fort Belknap TIWAHE, and other tribal programs. This network of partners and organizations brings invaluable experiences to Indigenous youth on Fort Belknap.

For more information, please contact Jeremy Richey, Youth Leadership Coordinator, at jeremy.richey@fbcedc.org.

Follow the Native Youth Program on Instagram and Facebook, and stay updated on IYEP’s journey through the NAEDC website: www.fortbelknapcedc.org.