Native Youth Olympics participants learn traditional sports and the importance of sportsmanship.
Our Yaghanen Language and Cultural programs provide a space where youth come to develop life skills, learn culture, make friends and stay on track academically. We are an education, prevention and early intervention program open to kindergarten through 12th-grade students, offering a wide range of fun and educational activities.
All programs include Dena’ina language, culture, and a focus on Huch’ulyeshi, the Dena’ina way of living.
We have academic year (September-May) after-school programs where Yaghanen learners have access to cultural activities such as our Jabila’ina Traditional Dance Group, Del Dumi Intertribal Drum Group, Ggugguyni Native Youth Olympic Team and Indigenous Leadership.
Our curriculum includes life skills, healthy lifestyle habits, and the risks of using drugs and alcohol. We also offer study time and basic tutoring during the school year.
Youth in the Yaghanen Language and Cultural Program drum during a performance for Elders.
Age groups for 2026-2027:
- Besi (Owl) – Kindergarten through second grade
- Kazhna (Lynx) – third through fifth grade
- Elt’eshi (Black bear) – sixth through eighth grade
- Dnigi (Moose) – Ninth through 12th grade
Cultural activities:
These groups encourage sobriety, respect and pride through traditional intertribal drum songs. The older group performs at significant Tribal gatherings and travels occasionally to non-local events. Drumming is integrated into all age groups.
The Jabila’ina Dance Group prepares for a performance.
Jabila’ina Dance Group
This group has a rich and deep tradition and has performed at many local and state events. Jabila’ina means “People of the Rainbow.” Tribal Elder Peter Kalifornsky gave us this name, and the group works to preserve his legacy. Traditional dance is integrated into all age groups.
Judging official Eden Hopson gives chase as Kenaitze’s Alexie Nichols, left, and Zoe Mitchell, right, carry Ellie Nammoon in the Native Youth Olympics Wrist Carry event.
Native Youth Olympics
One of our most popular programs, members of the Ggugguyni Native Youth Olympics Team practice traditional Indigenous sports and learn the importance of sportsmanship. Participants develop strength, balance, endurance and coordination, and compete in events across the state.
The junior competition team is open to youth in first through sixth grades, while the senior competition team is open to those in seventh through 12th grades. NYO is integrated into all age groups.
Leadership
Our leadership development group is an engaging unit designed to help youth cultivate essential leadership and social-emotional skills while connecting with their ancestral knowledge and community values. Through weekly interactive sessions, collaborative projects, and guidance from Elders and mentors, participants learn about tribal governance, effective communication, and civic advocacy.
Youth learn valuable leadership skills.
The course empowers youth to become confident future leaders capable of driving positive change for their communities. The leadership development group is for youth ages 14-19.
Kenaitze Youth Council
The Kenaitze Youth Council is a youth-led government group within the Kenaitze Indian Tribe that empowers peers to develop leadership skills, preserve culture, address community issues, and have a voice in tribal governance.
By creating community projects and events focusing on education, culture, health, and community wellbeing, council members build the foundation necessary to become future tribal leaders. Working alongside the Kenaitze Tribal Council, the Youth Council serves as the driving force of their peers, enacting meaningful change within our community.
The Youth Council has various opportunities to network with other Youth Councils within our state, nation, and internationally. This group is open to Kenaitze Tribally enrolled youth ages 14-19 years old.
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Contact – Location
Kahtnuht’ana Duhdeldiht Campus
12271 Kenai Spur Highway
Kenai, AK 99611
