Ilima-Lei Macfarlane's "Ilimanator Scholarship"! An InterTribal Youth Mentor, Scholar, and Bellator MMA World Flyweight Champion Fighter, Ilima is leading a philanthropic campaign to provide "Ilimanator Scholarship" to young females who deserve a fighting chance to succeed. Ilima uses her platform to bring awareness to indigenous issues and provide holistic education and travel opportunities to young females. Apply, Donate or find out more . . .

World Champion Big Wave Surfer, Greg Long, Clif Bar, Wildcoast, and San Diego Maritime Museum help create the connection between local communities and their coastline. In summer of 2018, Long joined Wildcoast and Native Like Water to share his love of the ocean with indigenous youth in the San Diego area. Youth got their hands wet (literally) by playing with marine life and doing science experiments in the San Diego Bay, and then exploring the marine-protected area of La Jolla before learning to surf in nearby waves ... with Long as their world-class teacher. Read more . .

Traditional Voyaging Canoe Hikianalia Welcomed in San Diego, Oct. 30th - Nov. 15th 2018 InterTribal Youth and Greater San Diego Community welcome Hikianalia after she sailed more than 2,800 miles across the Pacific to the State of California carrying a message about the critical need to address climate change. Demonstrating the value of nature, the oceans and indigenous knowledge, the crew found their way to California on the solar and wind powered canoe using ancient Polynesian wayfinding techniques. The canoe and crew made a final stop in San Diego before returning to Hawaiʻi in December of 2018. Read more and see the pictures . . .

A visit to the Bob Marley Museum and Studio

Jamaica Sweet 2019 Cultural Exchange and Earth Family Gathering, May 22- 28, 2019 This program is designed with no age limit. It is for youth, adults, and elders. Perfect for students, teachers, mentors, parents and extended Family. Bob Marley and Jamaica has given the world so much. Join the invitation to attend the VIP Earth Family Gathering, Kingston Community Exchange and Ocho Rios, Irie River.

Enjoyable learning and observations with Youth from various Nations.

InterTribal Youth / Young Native Scholars Summer Enrichment Residential (18th Annual) So Cal, California. July 14-25, 2019; For ages 12-18. An eighteen-year history of curriculum and enrichment programs culturally based in science, arts, wellness and leadership. This is our flag-ship program that services youth ages 12-18 whom are considered "pre-college" and at the highest risk. Over the years, 100's of youth have been enriched locally, nationally, and internationally during residential programming and community learning. Elders, top professionals, leaders, and college-age mentors provide support staff. Program is now full.

Face to Face with Nature in Panama.

Inter-generational International Exchange for adults, college age and youth: Panama Central America June 22-30 2019
Registration NOW OPEN. A no pressure, leisurely, Inter-generational learning and relaxing experience. The goal of the program is to introduce ourselves to the concept of Indigenous Science, have fun and build unity, knowledge and recognition with other tribal nations. Interwoven fabric of FUN knowledge that includes: environmental sustainability, biological and earth sciences, oral history, health, botanical healing, lifestyle, global climate change, and the management of natural resources.

Nahko with Tristen, 2017 Scholarship Recipient

Nahko and the "Medicine Tribe" Scholarship Campaign Launch: a heightened spirit of giving and a collective affirmation acknowledging #ItTakesaTribe to Educate a Youth! Together we raise scholarships for InterTribal Youth (ages 12-18) Residential Programs. For 2018, the giving carried us past the original goal. For 2019, we have a collective intention to do even better. This opportunity of giving provides life changing educational experiences. Nahko and the fan base of the "Medicine Tribe" inspire us all by coming strong with the love. Join us and please Donate today. For more info or to Donate Click Here

Nor Cal InterTribal Sacred Journey: San Francisco, Oakland, UC Berkeley, to Alcatraz, Ohlone Territory, Mid-August (TBA) 2019 An educational gathering amongst the giants, river and ocean coasts of the real Nor Cal. From the bay and beyond. California with all its diversity, is cradled by the trees and stories of our past, present and future. Mid-August dates toTBA for 2019

InterTribal Youth Big Island Hawaií June 2019 (rescheduling TBA) For Youth (12-18) and Adult Youth Teachers/Mentors A holistic approach to education is an aim to "Indigenize Education" and must includes cultural identity. Hawaiian programs are leading the way in cultural-based curriculum and is proving very helpful in western academic success. Recent studies show students exceling in tests (government school test) in the upper grade levels when Teachers "teach to the spirit, ancient knowledge, and not teach simply to the test." Join us on this beautiful island as we are hands-on, in-tune and with the kingdom of paradise. Traditional relation of Land, Ocean, and sky environments to be seen and felt.

Latest News and Features!

National U.N.I.T.Y. Conference July 5-9, 2018 InterTribal Youth and Native Like Water featured in the greatest national youth conference in the Americas / Turtle Island. The UNITY Fire is an eternal flame within. This summer conference and fire is hosted in OUR own hometown - San Diego - Kumeyaay Territory and mentors featured as a keynote speaker and workshop presentations!!

ITY - Nahko Medicine Tribe Scholarship 2017 and 2018 Surpasses its Goal ! End of Year results for the 2017 and 2018 Scholarship Recipients HERE! Introducing the Scholarship Recipient stand out youth! The Medicine Tribe's donations and matching contributions seen and felt. #Gratitude

Pele alive

InterTribal Youth Big Island Hawaií June 18-25, 2018 POSTPONED. For Youth (12-18) and Adult Youth Teachers/Mentors Hawaiian programs are leading the way in cultural-based curriculum and proving very helpful in western academic success. Our program to the Big Island was postponed due to the concerns and overactivity of Kilauea Volcano. There is a great cultural and educational significance to this natural occurrence. Learn more here . . .

InterTribal Youth Joins Hokulea World-Wide Voyage Homecoming and Presents at World Youth Congress, Oahu June 16-22. 2017, Youth from Agua Caliente Cahuilla, various Bands of the Kumeyaay Nation, Alaska, and Belize joined by Tribal Elder and Leaders present at world gathering in celebration of the greatest example of indigenous education and global unification, caring for Mother Earth - "Malama Honua".

ITY Director Featured in Olukai's Cliff Notes: Founder of InterTribal Youth, Marc Chavez interview and photo essay by Cliff Kapono, Olukai Ambassador, Scientist, Artist, and Waterman. Between the native food, culture and surf, Cliff and co. were able to catch up about what brought this once “lost” LA boy south of the border. It was only then did Cliff realize just how volatile things were in the region. Read more. .

ITY and Tribal Nations of Panama Welcome the Hokulea at the Panama Canal. The Malama Honua World-Wide Voyage, January 2017, greets the people of Panama and crosses the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific as they embark on their way home to Tahiti and Hawaii. More . . .

InterTribal Youth chosen by Haro BMX Bikes, Paul Cannon and Nahko Bear as recipient to a special Haro Bike Honoring Give-away. Honored youth awarded by Joe Haro, Nahko Bear and Paul Cannon on Dec. 7th at the Pala Skate Park. A special concert featuring Paul Cannon and Nahko Bear followed, the next day. Learn more . .

Kumeyayy Youth revisit Cultural heritage site in La Jolla, CAlifornia

InterTribal Youth Leaders in Culture, Science and Health Spring, Summer 2017: Indigenous Coastal Culture, Science, Surf and Paddle 2017. Years ago, many Indigenous people were removed from their coastal homes and way of life. Loss of habitat, for any species, is the largest cause for extinction. NLW strongly believes a re-introduction to ocean recreation, earth sciences, biology, and cultural research can benefit the youth and contribute, intellectually and physically to our roll as original stewards of the land. July 16-26, 2017 we launch our summer youth program in cooperation of UC San Diego and So. Cal Community. Learn More . .

ITY director, Marc Chavez, Tim Siva (Agua Caliente) and Cheyanne Bactad (Viejas), M. Obama

National UNITY San Diego memories of UNITY Washington D.C.
We look forward to UNITY2018 in San Diego and we look back at ITY's 2015 exciting summer participation in Washington D.C. Youth meetings with First Lady Michelle Obama, Young National Leaders, and an invitation by Minister Louis Farrakhan to unify the African American, Latino and Native American community for justice. Read More . .

Hawaiian Kingdom Youth Maritime and Music Exchange 2015 Report
Youth Enrichment Programs, Collaborations, Community Clinics, Leadership Programs. Kick off of "Native Like Water" Programming and Leadership. Read More . .

"If we consider that before we became human beings, we existed as water, we get closer to finding the answer to the basic question of what a human being is" -- Dr. Masaru Emoto

"Be Water, my friend" -- Bruce Lee

Open doors of opportunity for youth. If you are interesting in sponsoring a matching donation for youth scholarships, we have a list of youth with below poverty & financial need. Please contacts us and lets make an impact together.

"Best Native program around. Our daughter Bonnie has been involved with the program for many years and has greatly benefited from her experience" - Diane Tells His Name, ITY Alum Mother

Intertribal Youth 2017 Vibrant Mosaic of Contributors

California

Barona Band of Mission Indians

UCSD-Early Academic Outreach Program, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation

La Clase Magica/ UCSD Communication Department, UC San Diego Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs & VC EDI
UCSD Department of Physics, Chemistry and UCSD Faculty Association,
American Indian Child Resource Center (AICRC), Nahko Bear and Medicine Tribe

UCSD InterTribal Resource Center, UCSD Extension, Scripps Institute of Oceanography & The Birch Aquarium
Humboldt State University ITEPP, UC Cal Berkeley Office of Admissions,
Diamond Supply Co. Clothing, Life Foods (Maui), Aaron Chang Photography, San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians
La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Theda & John Molina, Los Coyotes Nation
Indian Health Council’s CA-NARCH, SDSU American Indian Studies Department, UCSD Office of Admissions, Haro Bikes, Paul Cannon, Hoopa Nation, Warrior Institute @ Hoopa
U.S. National Park Service @ Alcatraz, SNAG Magazine Family

Olukai Footwear, Firewire Surfboards, UCSD Outback Adventures, Patagonia Cardiff Store, Sambazon Acai Bowls
On Native Ground Youth Media Group, Indigenous Warrior Clothing, UCSD Financial Aid Services,
CSU San Marcos California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, UCSD OASIS

Center for Surf Research @ SDSU, Jimbo’s Naturally Market, Papalotes Mexican Grill (SF, CA), Wiyot Nation,
Potowat Health Village, Yurok Nation, Tribal Gear, Dr. Eric Riggs, Department of Geology & Geophysics, Texas A&M

Hawaii
Na Kama Kai Alakai Mentorship Program, Polynesian Voyaging Society & Hokulea,
Mana Mele Mobile Recording Studio,
Mana Maoli & Halau Ku Mana Hawaiian Charter School,
Mama T's Ital Kitchen & Umeke Market, Life Foods (Maui), , Hawaiian Ola Beverage

Jamaica
Forward Step Foundation, Jamnesia Surf and Music Camp, Bob Marley Museum,
Kariang Music, Earth Family Festival, Garnet Silk Foundation, Jah9

Panama, Central América
Four Worlds International Institute (Cuatro Mundos), CONAMUIP
OneLovePanama.org, EarthTrain.org, Embera Quera, Guna Congress, Cayuco Culture

Past Contributors
San Diego State Office of the President
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians,
UC American Indian Counselors and Recruiters Assoc., HAF-Native Cultures Fund, ,
Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians, U.S. Embassy-Panama
SCTDV-HP, Pala Band of Mission Indians, 29 Palms

Native Like Water

Latest News and Features!

"Be Water, my friend" -- Bruce Lee

Intertribal Youth 2017 Vibrant Mosaic of Contributors