2025 ACORN Youth Wellness Program: Year in Review

Two smiling people pose for a camera

Empowering Native Youth Through Culture, Connection, and Community

This year, the ACORN Youth Wellness Program proudly served over 100 Native youth through our “Make It Stronger” initiative—five dynamic events designed to nurture cultural identity, strengthen community bonds, and support holistic wellness. Each gathering was grounded in the ACORN values:

  • Appreciation of our whole selves
  • Connecting language, community, and culture
  • Opportunity and access
  • Relationships with others
  • Nurturing nature and spirit
A person holds a number of branches
A couple younger people sit on blankets on the ground in a park and talk
A number of people sit on a road on bikes
Two younger people work together with some sticks
A number of people work together on a picnic bench
A number of people roast marshmallows on a beach
A person jumps a bike onto some grass. A number of people walk around in the background

February 23 – Bear River: Appreciation of Our Whole Selves

We welcomed 96 youth from across Humboldt County for our annual ACORN Wellness Day at Bear River. Participants engaged in language games with Maymi Preston-Donahue, fitness activities with Hope and Jai Kibby Jr. of the Warrior Institute, and a cultural fire presentation from Tori McConnell. Older youth joined a talking circle and language session with Crystal Richardson and River McIntire, while Sammy Cooper led a redwood medallion carving activity. The day ended with fun at Bear River’s Family Entertainment Center.

March 9 – Blue Lake: Connecting Language, Community, and Culture

Our second ACORN Wellness Day focused on the Hupa language. Taihvoochi Colegrove and Muriel Ammon led engaging language lessons, while youth explored fish hatchery operations with Jake Hussin and Jason Crews. Erin Phillips of Green Diamond shared environmental career insights, and Hope and Jai Kibby Jr. energized the group with games. Michaela Walston guided a medicinal plant hike, and the day wrapped up with roller skating and mountain biking fun with MBTTA.

March 23 – Eureka: Opportunity and Access

Our third event took youth to the Adorni Center and Tulawat Island. Youth Ambassadors kayaked across the bay thanks to Humboats and guide Jai Kibby. Later, at The Nest—courtesy of NCIDC and Naishan Richards—youth enjoyed biking with MBTTA, fishing with Mettah, indoor games with Holly and Caleb, and beading workshops with Shay and Charlena.

April 6 – Sequoia Park: Relationships with Others

At Sequoia Park, 86 youth joined us for a day of learning, creativity, and cultural practice. Youth Ambassadors started at UIHS with Matthew Hinshaw, who led a restoration-focused tour of Potawot. Jake Reed and Ernie Albers spoke on traditional construction at the village site. At the park, youth played traditional gambling games, created mini drums and aprons, took part in a Yurok language scavenger hunt, visited the zoo and sky walk, participated in relationship-building activities, and rode bikes with MBTTA.

May 4 – Big Lagoon: Nurturing Nature and Spirit

We closed out the series at Big Lagoon, centered on our connection to the land and spirit. Youth paddled redwood canoes from Big Lagoon Rancheria and kayaks from Humboats, flew kites, made s’mores by the fire, and rode trails with MBTTA. Brandon Duran brought joy and creativity with a Star Wars-themed presentation, celebrating “May the 4th Be With You” in true ACORN style.

Looking Ahead

Through these five immersive events, our youth explored language, culture, land, and leadership. ACORN isn’t just a program—it’s a movement toward cultural revitalization, healing, and strength.

Thank you to all our partners, facilitators, and community members who made this year possible. Together, we’re making it stronger.