
We guide our youth in honoring who they are — Teaching respect for themselves, for others, and for the land. Through cultural traditions like Native Youth Olympic and Dene games, hunting, fishing, foraging, and drum and dance, we pass on the values and skills that keep our culture strong.
The mission of the Salamatof Tribe Duhdeldiht Youth Program is to empower Alaska Native youth through cultural pride, leadership, wellness, and career exploration. We provide meaningful engagement and mentorship that inspire confidence, build skills, and strengthen identity. Our goal is to guide young people to become resilient leaders — grounded in their heritage and committed to uplifting their communities for generations to come.
We envision a future where Alaska Native youth stand strong in their cultural roots — leading with resilience, pride, and purpose. Through the program, we nurture a generation of empowered leaders who honor the wisdom of their ancestors while confidently navigating the challenges of today. By inspiring and supporting our youth, we aim to help them reach their full potential and build a vibrant, thriving future for their communities and the Alaska Native people as a whole.

Youth Services Manager

Youth Services Coordinator

NYO Coach/Youth Services Assistant

This summer, our youth will take part in hands-on projects that serve local elders, families, and the wider community. Each camp blends cultural tradition with personal growth — offering opportunities to learn life skills, explore workforce development, and strengthen cultural knowledge through experience and mentorship.
Summer Camps Include:
For more information, please contact our Youth Services Manager, Shovaughnna Wilson, at (907) 953‑1724.

We teach our youth the traditional Native Youth Olympic (NYO) games — the same games our ancestors once used to guide and strengthen their own youth. Through these practices and competitions, we pass down more than physical skills; we teach respect — for oneself, for peers, and for elders — through culturally grounded role modeling and mentorship.

"Idelq'en - He keeps the fire burning"
Our drum group, Idełq’en, was formed in the fall of 2022 to keep the cultural fire alive within our youth. Participation in the group requires a commitment to being alcohol and drug-free, encouraging healthy choices and positive lifestyles. The drum serves as both a tool for wellness and a way to teach our young people the Native language and traditions of our ancestors. Frequently invited to perform by other organizations, our drum group gives youth a chance to take pride in their culture and share it with the broader community.

We ethically harvest culturally significant resources such as fish, medicinal plants, and berries for processing and learning. Through this work, our youth gain hands-on experience in preparing traditional foods and medicines, while deepening their understanding of how vital the land is to our way of life. The harvest also provides an opportunity to give back — the processed items are shared with our local elders at no cost, honoring their wisdom and strengthening the bond between generations.
Fundraise to support our year-round program.
Expand our summer hire program to 12 weeks, and work with more community partners.
Build community awareness of our program to build a foundation to expand our services.
Please reach us at Youth@Salamatoftribe.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No, We accept all children from grades 4-12. Monday - Thursday 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Limited- Please contact us directly to learn more (907)-283-2700
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |

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