December wrapped up the year with warmth, celebration, and connection. From holiday gatherings to youth programming filled with joy and creativity, our teams and young people closed out the year showing up for one another in meaningful ways. The month was a reminder of the importance of community, reflection, and carrying gratitude into the new year.
Here are some highlights from a month filled with celebration, connection, and impactful moments.
Reflecting on 2025
I am proud to highlight Two Feathers’ unwavering commitment to supporting our local Native community through culturally grounded, relationship-centered programming. Throughout the year, our teams facilitated consistent, year-round prosocial events, groups, and activities across Humboldt County, creating spaces for connection, learning, and healing. Through this collective effort, we engaged more than 4,000 local families in meaningful experiences that center culture, wellness, and community belonging.
Our Chekws mental health counseling program continued to provide high-quality, culturally responsive weekly services to 278 Native youth, meeting young people where they are and supporting them through both everyday challenges and periods of increased need. These services are strengthened by trusted relationships, collaboration with families and partner agencies, and a deep understanding of the cultural and community contexts our youth navigate.
In addition to clinical support, our youth development and leadership programming remained a cornerstone of our work. Through initiatives such as youth groups, cultural programming, and community-based activities, young people had opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their connection to culture and community. Our Youth Employment program further expanded its impact by employing more than 50 Native youth in comprehensive, year-round workforce development experiences that emphasize leadership, responsibility, and long-term skill building.
None of this work would be possible without the dedication of our staff, the trust of the families we serve, and the strength of our community partnerships. Together, we continue to create supportive, empowering environments where Native youth and families can thrive. As we look ahead to 2026, I remain deeply committed to advancing positive outcomes for local Native youth and their families and to strengthening the programs and relationships that make this work possible.
– Dr. Virgil Moorehead Jr. (Executive Director)
Chekws Counseling Services December Data
December was a busy and impactful month for our counseling team at Two Feathers! Our clinicians and interns provided 446 hours of individual support across 176 clients throughout Humboldt County — from Eastern Humboldt to Northern and Southern Humboldt. With 16 dedicated staff and 2 amazing interns, we also welcomed 4 new clients into our circle of care. Every hour spent represents a moment of connection, healing, and growth for our Tribal youth and families.
2025 Youth Leadership Program Reflection
2025 was an incredible year for the Youth Leadership Program. In this year alone, we proudly employed over 80 youth through our employment program—supporting them as they built skills, confidence, and leadership grounded in community and culture.
Our Youth Ambassadors completed a wide range of workforce development trainings, including résumé building, conflict resolution, effective communication, interview skills, CPR/First Aid, food handler certifications, and more. These trainings equipped youth with practical tools they can carry into future jobs, education, and leadership roles.
Beyond training, youth led and participated in community projects that created meaningful, positive impact. They showed up for their community by supporting local events through set-up and clean-up, tabling and sharing Two Feathers and partner resources, and facilitating activities for younger youth.
Cultural connection remained at the heart of the program. Youth deepened their cultural knowledge by participating in dance demonstrations, drum-building, and traditional dress-making, strengthening pride in identity and tradition.
Our Youth Ambassadors also raised their voices beyond our community—speaking on youth panels and presenting at conferences to advocate for substance use prevention, mental health resources, and awareness around Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Their leadership, courage, and insight continue to inspire us all.
We are incredibly proud of everything our youth accomplished this year. These young people are our community’s next leaders, and we cannot wait to see how they continue to create change and shape a better future for generations to come.
Native American Heritage Night in the Bay
On December 20, Two Feathers took 25 youth to a Golden State Warriors game in celebration of Native American Heritage Night. Trips to the Bay Area are always a highlight, and it was amazing to see the excitement as youth explored the city and cheered on the Warriors together.
A huge thank you to the staff who helped facilitate and chaperone a very full and busy weekend. Their support made the experience possible from start to finish. And to top it all off, the Warriors pulled out a win!
Winter Break Activities
Winter Break was packed with fun and connection! Our days were filled with ice skating, movie outings at the Minor, and roller skating from morning to afternoon. It was great to see both familiar and new faces at each event, with an average of 90 youth and family members joining us every day.
One standout highlight was watching so many of our youth step onto the ice for the very first time at the Ferndale Fairgrounds. The excitement, laughter, and determination made the day unforgettable. We are incredibly grateful to the Ferndale Fairgrounds team for welcoming us and allowing us to bring so much energy to the rink.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing ladies at Hoopa Education for helping make it possible for more youth to join us from the East, and to the Wiyot Tribe for supporting daily participation from the South. Winter Break gave us the opportunity to build new friendships, strengthen partnerships, and spend meaningful time together as a community.
Fantasy Football Results Are In!
We want to congratulate Ernie and his team, the War Ponies 🏆 on winning this year’s Two Feathers Office Fantasy Football League, marking our second annual season of friendly competition! What started as a light-hearted idea has quickly turned into a beloved office tradition full of camaraderie, smack talk, and very serious bragging rights.
Ernie is officially our back-to-back champion, and while we give him his flowers 🌸, the rest of us are already plotting his downfall next season 😂
A huge thank-you to all the staff who joined in and made this league so much fun. Final rankings below because yes, they absolutely matter 😌
🥈 Second: Shaylynne Masten (The AunTEA’s)
🥉 Third: Keoki Burbank (Insane in the Achane)
Fourth: Mettah Kuska (Oakland Raiders)
Fifth: Rudy Garcia (Avengers)
Sixth: Holly Lawrence (Holly Knows Football)
Seventh: Virgil Moorehead (Virgil)
Eighth: Stephen Abas (Flow Nation)
Ninth: Caleb Martinez (War Pigeons)
Tenth: Kelly McGlathery (Silver Surfer)
Thanks to everyone for bringing the laughs, the competition, and the team spirit all season long.
Need help signing up for Young Bucks or looking for some fantasy football guru advice? 🤣🤣 Email Ernie at ernie.a@twofeathers-nafs.org.
Staff Holiday Party
In December, we gathered at the Blue Lake Casino Hotel to celebrate our annual Holiday Party. Staff and families came together to share a meal, reconnect, and enjoy a fun evening filled with laughter and holiday cheer. A surprise visit from the Grinch added a playful moment to the night, as he caused a little mischief before ultimately embracing the spirit of the season and spreading cheer. The evening was full of smiles, great food, and joyful moments, making it a wonderful way to celebrate together
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The 7th Generation Band for joining us on a school night and bringing incredible music to the celebration. Their performance added so much energy and enjoyment to the evening and truly completed the event.
Staff Anniversary Celebration
This month we’re celebrating two amazing Two Feathers team members whose dedication, leadership, and commitment continue to uplift and support our Tribal youth, families, and staff.
✨ Tai – Clinical Manager | 5 years of service
✨ Zahra – Clinical Director | 6 years of service
Thank you both for the incredible work you do each day. Your leadership, care, and vision strengthen our clinical team and the organization as a whole. We are grateful to celebrate these milestones with you and to have you as part of the Two Feathers family.