NAIC Receives Grant from Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) to Support Indigenous Youth & Land Stewardship

Feb 1

The Northwest American Indian Coalition (NAIC) is honored to announce that we have been awarded a grant from the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) to support our ongoing efforts in Indigenous-led land stewardship, cultural restoration, and youth engagement.

Developing a Native Food Garden & Supporting Seed Collection

One of our key initiatives will be the establishment of a native food garden plot and facilitation of seed collection and harvest activities. These efforts will become an integral part of the Healing of the Trail youth education curriculum, set to launch in summer 2025. This program will provide young Indigenous community members with hands-on experience in traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and sustainable food systems.

Supporting a Native Youth Crew & Workforce Development

NAIC will also use this funding to empower Indigenous youth by providing meaningful opportunities to reconnect with first foods and culturally significant plant species. This initiative aims to support Indigenous youth in healing, sharing knowledge, and developing skills in ecological restoration and conservation.

By investing in Native youth, this initiative builds place-based knowledge, strengthens intergenerational connections, and fosters a culturally rooted workforce in land stewardship and conservation.

Investing in the Future of Land Stewardship

This funding will play a key role in NAIC’s efforts to protect biodiversity, revitalize cultural practices, and promote sustainable land management. By supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation, COLT is contributing to a movement that values land, water, and cultural resilience.

We extend our deepest gratitude to COLT for their support and recognition of the importance of Indigenous leadership in land stewardship. Stay connected with NAIC for updates on these projects and ways to get involved!