February continued the year with connection, creativity, and community care. Throughout the month, youth and staff came together through cultural programming, wellness activities, and gatherings that created space for learning, laughter, and relationship building. From time spent outdoors to moments of cultural sharing and mentorship, February highlighted the power of coming together and supporting one another.
Here are some highlights from a month filled with connection, culture, and meaningful experiences.
James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award 2026
We’re thrilled to share that Virgil Moorehead Jr. and Amy Mathieson of Two Feathers Native American Family Services have been honored with a 2026 Leadership Award from The James Irvine Foundation!
At Two Feathers Native American Family Services, Virgil Moorehead Jr. and Amy Mathieson are transforming youth mental health care in Humboldt County. Under their leadership, the organization has grown from a single therapist to delivering over 7,900 counseling sessions annually to 280 youth across 12 school districts. Grounded in the belief that culture provides prevention, intervention, and healing, Two Feathers’ Youth Ambassador Program integrates clinical care with traditional cultural practices and paid workforce development. Ambassadors earn paychecks while engaging in wellness education, advocacy, and experiential learning, supported by therapy, case management, and mentorship rooted in cultural practice. Alumni report improved confidence, reduced substance use, and strengthened cultural identity—and have gone on to employment, post-secondary education, and leadership roles in their communities. Moorehead and Mathieson are demonstrating that when mental health care honors cultural practices, it doesn’t just treat symptoms; it builds the next generation of leaders.
Meet Alicia
Alicia was chosen to represent Two Feathers because of her leadership and dedication to her role as a Youth Ambassador. She was interviewed on her journey with Two Feathers and how being involved in our programs have positively impacted her life.
Before Two Feathers:
Before joining Two Feathers, Alicia was carrying a lot of grief. She lost her grandmother in 2019 and then her mother in 2022, both of which deeply impacted her. She began counseling after her grandmother passed, but when she became a Youth Ambassador in 2022, she was still struggling with social isolation and social anxiety. She was very quiet and reserved and often kept her thoughts to herself.
What changed:
Through counseling and her role as a Youth Ambassador, Alicia began to find her voice. Over time, she grew more confident sharing her thoughts and opinions and stepped into leadership opportunities. She has now spoken on multiple panels advocating for Native youth in her community. Working with the administrative team at Two Feathers helped her build professional skills, strengthen her attention to detail, and gain confidence in speaking up when something doesn’t seem right. She describes herself as more mature, self-assured, and ready to take on new challenges.
What she is doing now:
Alicia is currently working part-time as a Youth Ambassador while attending College of the Redwoods in the Medical Assisting program. Inspired by her mother’s heart health challenges, she hopes to become a compassionate medical professional who truly listens to patients and provides the kind of care her mother needed.
Why she feels comfortable sharing publicly:
Alicia wants other young people to know that their stories matter. She believes youth have powerful voices and wants to show others that it’s possible to heal, grow, and be heard.
Chekws Counseling Services February Data
February was a busy and impactful month for our counseling team at Two Feathers! Our clinicians and interns provided 523 hours of individual support across 182 clients throughout Humboldt County 75 from Eastern Humboldt to Northern and Southern Humboldt. With 15 dedicated staff and 2 amazing interns, we also welcomed 14 new clients into our circle of care. Every hour spent represents a moment of connection, healing, and growth for our Tribal youth and families.
Dishgharghirat: “You Are Loved”
On March 3rd we started our first ever session of our Southern Humboldt girls’ cultural group, “Dishgharghirat,” which translates to “you are loved” in the Wiyot language. Taking place in the Loleta and Fortuna areas and in collaboration with both the Wiyot tribe and the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria, our Dishgharghirat girls group aims to provide young ladies ages 10-18 with a space to explore cultural connection & peer mentorship. Our Southern youth Ambassador pod is taking the lead to also help facilitate & learn the importance of mentorship by partnering with the younger girls to support their activities. We started our first group by learning about a traditional women’s gambling game called “Shell Dice,” which uses mussel shells carved into rounded “dice” & large dentalium shells used as money. The girls formed teams and played a miniature tournament; the first and second-place winners received beaded keychains made by the youth ambassadors.
Some of the other activities the girls will be learning about this spring include: Basketry design identification, Wiyot language Bingo, Learning to bead Peyote stitch keychains, hiking in Wiyot ancestral territory, Ceremonial protocols & finishing up with a gathering trip for maple bark. Please see our flyer below for more information or reach out if you have any questions.
Spotted Does
The Spotted Does group recently wrapped up their third cycle of programming with a meaningful and creative project—each young lady completing her own beautiful doll dress. Over the course of several weeks, participants worked step-by-step through the process, learning skills, practicing patience, and bringing their designs to life.
Along the way, the group was honored to hear from guest speaker Maggie Peters, who shared about her daughter’s Flower Dance dresses and the cultural significance behind them. Participants also spent time cleaning pinenuts and learning about the importance of traditional practices, weaving cultural teachings into the creative process.
By the end of the cycle, each participant had created a special piece they could take home—something they can cherish for years to come.
We’re excited to continue this journey together. The next round of Spotted Does programming begins March 23, where participants will shift their focus to regalia and dance protocols.
Two Feathers Youth Wellness Council: Making a Difference
We are thrilled to spotlight our incredible Two Feathers Youth Wellness Council, comprised of eight passionate youth ambassadors dedicated to prevention and advocacy. Meeting weekly, these inspiring young leaders are currently focused on a vital substance use prevention campaign that emphasizes the importance of cultural connection and practices in fostering healing and wellness.
In February, the Council showcased their creativity and compassion by assembling over 200 Valentine’s goodie bags, which were shared with youth in our community. Each bag was filled with delicious treats and essential information on coping tools and community resources, providing much-needed support to those in need.
We can’t wait to see what these remarkable youth will achieve next! Their dedication and innovative ideas are sure to create a lasting positive impact within our community.
Stay tuned for more updates on their initiatives!
5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Block Party
Spring is just around the corner, and we’re excited to remind our community about the upcoming 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Block Party, taking place Friday, April 3 from 5:00–7:00 PM at Two Feathers NAFS in McKinleyville.
This annual event brings together youth, families, and community partners for an evening of fun, connection, and celebration. Our Easter Egg Hunt will take place from 5:30–6:30 PM, with plenty of eggs and excitement for youth to enjoy. A sensory-safe egg hunt option will also be available while supplies last, helping ensure that all youth have the opportunity to participate in a way that feels comfortable and welcoming.
In addition to the egg hunt, families will have the chance to connect with community partners, including RCRC, who will be on site sharing resources and information.
This free community event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, spend time outdoors, and celebrate the season with friends and neighbors.
✨ All are welcome
✨ Free event for families and youth
We hope you’ll join us for an evening filled with fun, connection, and community as we celebrate our 5th year of this special Two Feathers tradition.
Staff Anniversary Celebration
This month we’re celebrating three incredible Two Feathers team members whose dedication, care, and commitment help strengthen our programs and support the youth, families, and communities we serve.
✨ Charlena – Peer Support Specialist | 6 years of service
✨ Amy – Youth Leadership Development Program Director | 6 years of service
✨ Sheri – Data Compliance Coordinator | 1 year of service
Thank you all for the important work you do every day. Your passion, leadership, and commitment make a meaningful impact across our organization and in the lives of those we serve. We are grateful to celebrate these milestones with you and proud to have you as part of the Two Feathers team!
