Rooted in Strength: How Cultural Connection Protects and Empowers Native Youth
Friday, November 21, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. MST
(11:00 am Pacific, 1:00 pm Central, 2:00 pm Eastern)
This was a FREE Webinar!
Description
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, join WICSEC for an engaging microlearning session that uses storytelling to illuminate how cultural connection serves as a powerful protective factor for youth and families. Featuring the Blackfeet Nation’s Iiksook’ksooksik Project we will learn together about how this program is weaving culture, tradition, and community voice into their work with parents and youth. Through stories, reflection, and shared learning, this session invites all participants — Native and non-Native alike — to listen, learn, and be inspired by how honoring culture can build resilience, belonging, and hope for generations to come.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
Recording and Materials
Speakers
Jayla Wells
Grant Manager, Blackfeet Child Support
Jayla Wells is the Iiksook’ksooksik Project Manager for the Blackfeet Tribes, Manpower Program One-Stop Center, and Blackfeet Child Support Enforcement Program on the Blackfeet Reservation located in the northwest corner of Montana bordering the Canadian Border and Glacier National Park. The Iiksook’ksooksik project has been created through funding from The Charting a Course for Economic Mobility and Responsible Parenting Grant—a demonstration grant from The Federal Office of Child Support. Jayla oversees the project as a whole and maintains the project schedule, assuring the project is making progress. She has a bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Community Health and Preventative Sciences.
Taos Yellow Owl
Student and Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Member
Taos Yellow Owl is a poised and accomplished senior at Heart Butte High School, where he also pursues college-level studies through dual enrollment at Blackfeet Community College. A proud alumnus of the esteemed Cuts Wood Institute, Taos began his journey of cultural learning at a young age. Dedicating himself to mastering the Blackfeet language and Traditional Sign Language until he graduated from Cutswood in the eighth grade. As President of the Piikani Youth Council, Taos demonstrates exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to his community. A passionate advocate for cultural preservation, he frequently speaks across Blackfeet territory about the importance of language, tradition, and the enduring values of the Blackfeet way of life. His work embodies a vision for the future rooted in cultural strength, community pride, and intergenerational knowledge. In his role with the Youth Council, Taos contributed to the Iiksook’ksooksik (Good Future) Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project and served as the Emcee for the YPAR Youth Mental Health and Culture Day on May 4, 2025. Beyond his academic and cultural leadership, Taos is also a dedicated athlete, competing in varsity football and basketball. Through all his endeavors, he continues to be a leader, mentor, and inspiring role model for youth throughout his community.
Alicia Yellow Owl
Meat Processing Project Developer, Blackfeet Community College and Grant Advisory Board Member, Blackfeet Child Support Grant
Guided by her deep commitment to community and education, Alicia Yellow Owl strives to create meaningful pathways for future generations of learners rooted in cultural relevance, respect, and the enduring strength of Blackfeet knowledge. Alicia is a passionate professional serving as the Meat Processing Project Developer at Blackfeet Community College. She is dedicated to blending Blackfeet knowledge and perspectives with modern education. With a strong foundation in Native Science, Alicia works to bridge traditional ecological wisdom with contemporary scientific practices, fostering a deeper, holistic understanding of the natural world. As a Project Developer at Blackfeet Community College, Alicia plays a vital part in developing inclusive, culturally grounded learning experiences that honor Blackfeet traditions while advancing academic excellence. She is a strong advocate for integrating Blackfeet knowledge into curricula, ensuring that education reflects the richness and depth of diverse cultural perspectives, to promote academic growth.