Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin tribal youth ages 12 to 24 years old participated in the sixth annual Klamath Tribes Youth Summit, Aug. 9-11, for a residential camp at Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech). The event is a partnership between the Klamath Tribes and Oregon Tech and provides youth an opportunity to participate in workshops and activities meant to encourage leadership and educational opportunities.
At the opening of the event, Oregon Tech President Nagi Naganathan shared, “This year’s theme, Empowering Our Youth, acknowledges the responsibility we have as leaders to create opportunities for you [the youth] to grow and develop characteristics and life skills that will help you create a happier and healthier life for yourself and your loved ones.”
To facilitate discussion and teamwork for the attendees, two days of workshops were led by Klamath Tribes members and Oregon Tech staff. They included:
- Identity: Learning to uncover who we are through a cultural lens
- Stop the Bleed: Lifesaving skills
- Traditional Game of Shinny
- Art and Culture
- Encouraging and Overcoming Stereotypes
- Youth Council 101
- Respiratory Care Simulation
- Cultural Diversity
- Civil Engineering Introduction
- Oregon Tech/Klamath Community College Welding Program Demonstration
The Klamath Tribes General Manager George B. López shared, “The youth involved in the summit showed great leadership skills and offered a glimpse into the bright future of tribes in Oregon. They participated in workshops, listened to speakers such as President Naganathan, and were offered the opportunity to be elected to the Klamath Tribal Youth Council.”
The Klamath Tribal Youth Council represents the Klamath and Modoc Tribes and the Yahooskin Snake Band of Paiute Indians of Southern Oregon and Northern California. After learning about the youth council during the event, candidates presented their speeches on day three and voting was held. The 2022-2023 Klamath Tribes Youth Council was elected and will proudly represent the tribal youth of Klamath County and the Klamath Tribes for the next year.
Elected at the event were Adriahna Blackwater, Weeyaya Brown, Maggie Hicks, Shakyla Jackson, Maxwell Kimbol, Tashina Matt-Collier, Alivia Miller, Shayla Ochoa, Natasha Roberson, Orville Schroeder, Lance Stone, Catherine Terrell, and Leilonnie Wilson.
Co-Chair Leilonnie Wilson, Co-Chair Orville Schroeder, Secretary Alivia Miller, Treasurer Weeyaya Brown, Media Director Adriahna Blackwater
“I am always reenergized when I see youth taking a positive leadership role in the community and particularly with their respective tribe,” said López. “I want to thank all the staff that helped organize, support, and execute an excellent Klamath Tribal Youth Summit.”
Oregon Tech Diversity and Belonging Assistant Director Shawni Cayetano-Ramos and Klamath Tribes Education and Employment Department Youth Transition Specialist Aralia Blackwater organized the event on behalf of Oregon Tech and the Klamath Tribes.
“We want to thank everyone who made this event happen,” said Blackwater. “Will Hess and the prevention staff, Sheea Scott from education and employment, and the team at Oregon Tech including Shawni, Thomas Arce, and Dr. Jennifer Wilson.”
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Oregon Tech Land Acknowledgment
KLAMATH FALLS: Oregon Tech resides on the ancestral homelands and traditional territory of the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin Nations who have stewarded this land since time immemorial.
PORTLAND-METRO: Oregon Tech's Portland-Metro campus resides on the ancestral and contemporary home of the Clackamas, Kathlamet, Multnomah, the Tualatin Kalapuya People, Tumwater, and the Watlala bands of the Chinook, who have stewarded this land since time immemorial.
We also respectfully acknowledge the many tribes and bands of the Klamath Basin region, the many Indigenous nations and lands along the Columbia, and the continued sovereignty of the nine tribes of Oregon and Northern Californian tribes that have ties to this land. It is important to acknowledge the ancestors of this place and to recognize that we are all here because of the sacrifices forced upon them. We also respectfully acknowledge the many Indigenous nations, bands, and tribes lands along the Columbia River. In doing so, we hope to honor their legacy and lives, as well as continue to build the relationship with the Native peoples of this region, the state of Oregon, and across the United States.
