July reminded us just how powerful youth programming can be, from cultural learning to summertime joy, here are some highlights we’re proud to share.

Youth Ambassadors Shine in July!

July was an action-packed month for the Two Feathers Youth Leadership Development Program. Our Youth Ambassadors showed up with heart and hustle—attending weekly wellness workshops, planning meaningful community projects, and diving deep into cultural learning and sharing. They also gave back in powerful ways. Each week, youth teamed up with local partners to volunteer and make a tangible difference: building trails at College of the Redwoods, supporting garden projects at Potawot Community Garden and Redwood Roots Farm, helping out with landscaping and mainenance at the iL-tuq Center, and assisting Bear River Rancheria with food distribution, community events, and processing acorns and pine nuts.

We’re incredibly proud of our Youth Ambassadors for their dedication and thankful to our community partners for helping create spaces for youth to learn, lead, and give back.

Brush Dance Demo in San Francisco

At this year’s CA Tribal TANF Youth Summit in San Francisco, Native youth and mentors offered a moving Brush Dance demonstration—bringing healing, culture, and ceremony to an urban setting. Rooted in Northern California tribal traditions, the demo gave youth from across the state a chance to witness and learn about this powerful cultural practice. It was a meaningful reminder that Indigenous traditions are alive, evolving, and carried proudly by the next generation.

Young Bucks: Hazel Ties at Sumeg Village

Our Young Bucks group took a trip out to Sumeg Village to help put new hazel ties on the redwood houses. It was amazing to see the youth jump in! Each one finding a role, learning as they went, and working together to get the job done.

There was a great mix of ages, and everyone had something to contribute. It felt like a real team effort and a meaningful way to connect with traditional skills.

Big thanks to Jonny Riggs and the Parks Department for inviting us out and giving our youth the chance to be part of something special.

Orleans Summer Programming

Two Feathers was thrilled to host another unforgettable summer in Orleans! Over the course of eight fun-filled days, local youth participated in a wide range of activities—from slip ‘n slides and skateboarding to mountain biking and river adventures. A big highlight was the multi-day science camp brought by the Karuk Tribe, sparking curiosity and connection to the land. We also enjoyed a delicious salmon cook, thanks to Peter and Tenayah Gensaw.

We’re so grateful to everyone who made this summer special—and we’re already looking forward to next year!

Team Bonding at the Ballpark!

On July 23rd, Two Feathers staff and their families came together for a fun-filled evening of team bonding at the Humboldt Crabs baseball game. Before the first pitch, we kicked things off with a BBQ—sharing food, laughs, and quality time with one another outside of the office.

The energy in the stadium was high, and the game didn’t disappoint! The Crabs pulled off a thrilling win in extra innings, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. It was the perfect summer night to celebrate connection, community, and a little friendly competition.

Big thanks to everyone who came out and helped make it such a special night.

GO CRABS!!!

Spotted Does

We are so excited to have launched our Spotted Does program this summer—a group specifically for young ladies with a focus on cultural activities, empowerment, and social connection.

Both our Hoopa Spotted Does and Coastal Spotted Does groups had a fun and enriching season. With a “Beat the Heat” theme, many of the activities took place on the coast, giving youth a chance to cool down while building friendships and memories. Highlights included field trips to Game On in Eureka, Sequoia Park, and the Sequoia Park Zoo.

In addition to these outings, participants engaged in hands-on cultural experiences like mini bark skirt making and shell dice gambling, which sparked creativity and strengthened cultural ties.

We’re incredibly proud of all the young women who took part this summer and are excited to continue the Spotted Does program throughout the school year!

Introducing Our Summer Outreach Interns

This July, Two Feathers proudly launched our new Summer Outreach Interns program—and what an amazing first season it was! Our interns jumped right into the action, supporting a wide range of youth and community programming throughout the month.

They played a key role in the Orleans Summer Program, helping facilitate activities like mountain biking with MBTTA, skateboarding with the Humboldt Skate Park Collective, and swimming on the beautiful Salmon River.

Beyond Orleans, our interns also contributed to the Young Bucks and Spotted Does groups, assisted with NCIDC’s GONA (Gathering of Native Americans), and participated in Save California Salmon’s Indigenous Science Camp.

This new program has already shown the powerful impact youth can have when given opportunities to lead, support, and connect. We’re incredibly proud of our Summer Outreach Interns and can’t wait to see how this program continues to grow!