Yaghanen Youth Programs
Yaghanen is the prevention and early intervention program of the Tribe. Yaghanen was chosen to name the program because it means a "good place, a safe place for the heart."
We strive to present our youth with programs and services that encourage them to develop academic achievement, respect for all people and cultures, and life skills in a safe and positive atmosphere.
Jabila'ina Dance Group promotes Dena'ina language and cultural activities in song and dance. Traditional values stories, and interaction with Tribal Elders encourages youth to make healthy life choices.
The Jabila'ina Dance Group has been invited to perform at a variety of venues including the 2004 Arctic Winter Games in Canada, the 2006 Arctic Winter Games in Soldotna, the Peninsula Winter Games, the Festival of Native Arts at the University of Fairbanks, the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, the annual Dena'ina Festival held in Kenai, as well as yearly CIRI potlaches.
Many of our Yaghanen youth and Head Start alumni have participated in the dance group. Jabila'ina means "People of the Rainbow". The name was given to us by Kenaitze Elder Peter Kalifornsky. The group has been working very hard this year to sing our traditional songs as Peter would have sung them.
Ggugguyni Native Youth Olympics Team highlights development of individual physical well-being through practicing events that require strength, balance, endurance, and coordination. This year's program incorporates a strong emphasis on community services and academic success.
Del Dumi Intertribal Drum is a collaboration with the Nakenu Program. Singing traditional drum songs and participating in drum performances encourages sobriety, respect, and pride.
Youth Camps provide an opportunity to expand and highlight the positive choices offered to our youth during after school programs while expanding our emphasis on cultural preservation, subsistence, and traditional practices, and healthy life skills. They include:
- Fish Camp
- Susten Camp
- Moose Camp
Tutor services are offered four days a week to further encourage educational success and achievement. This year's program incorporates a strong outreach to local schools and other youth programs and agencies.
Dena'ina Language Program - The goals and objectives of the Dena'ina language program are to revitalize, teach, and preserve the Outer Inlet dialect of the Dena'ina language. This is accomplished through collaboration with other tribal programs, KPC, UAF, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and other Dena'ina tribes to develop curriculum, technological resources, and qualified language teachers. Our Tribal Elders are critical to the success of this program and we rely on their knowledge, participation, and comments.
You may e-mail us if you have any questions about our Youth Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of programs do you have available for my kids?
We have different programs that vary by age and individual interest. We serve kids from pre-school through 12th grade.
How old do my kids have to be to participate in your programs?
Our programs cater to all ages. However, we require that a parent be present with your child if he or she is younger than kindergarten age or has special needs.
Do my kids have to be Native to participate?
We welcome all kids regardless of ethnicity. Our only exception is our Youth Council which is designated for Kenaitze Tribal, Alaska Native or American Indian youth.
My child is struggling in school. Do you provide tutoring?
We have a certified teacher on staff that is available to provide small group or individual help to our participants as well as a study hall held daily prior to programs.
Do you provide transportation to and from your programs?
We currently provide transportation service to our participants in Soldotna schools on a limited basis. The school district provides bussing for Kenai school children. We offer transportation to a designated pick-up location in Soldotna on a limited as-needed basis. Many of our participants are picked up by family or friends. Others use local cab service or arrange for C.A.R.T.S. transportation.
How much do you charge for our kids to participate in your programs?
We do not have a set fee schedule for our programs, only a summer camp fee of $25.00. Scholarships for summer camp are available for low income families. The majority of our program funding comes from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). BIA funding is restricted to program/services Alaska Native, American Indians, and Native Hawai'ians. The Tribe's Executive Council designates a portion of donations and 3rd party funds which are unrestricted to our programs. We ask our parents and families to assist program staff and youth in our fund raising activities and program planning.
What makes your programs different than other after school programs?
We are a drug and alcohol intervention and prevention program providing a safe place for kids to be active in a positive way. We offer a cultural component in our programs that stresses cooperation rather than competition. We also put a focus on success in school and maintain a close working relationship between our participants, their families and their schools.
Where can I get an application?
You may pick up an application in person at the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's Nakenu building located at 110 North Willow Street in Kenai. You may also download a copy in .PDF format here (.PDF format, 560KB).