Many concepts forming the foundation of the outdoor/experiential learning movement have parallels in Native American traditions. The National Indian Youth Leadership Program focuses on key Native American values such as family commitment, service to others, spiritual awareness, challenge, meaningful roles, recognition, responsibility, natural…

The National Indian Youth Leadership (NIYL) model was created to develop leadership skills for Indian youth to perform their future roles in the family, school, tribe, and nation. The model not only instills leadership skills and values through hands-on learning opportunities, but also challenges youth to apply those skills through projects they…

Describes traditional Indian education and how it differs from the Euro-American model by utilizing example instead of indoctrination. Notes that experiential and service learning include many key elements of Native approaches. Describes programs developed by the National Indian Youth Leadership Project that combine these approaches with…

Oklahoma's Cherokee Nation Youth Leadership Program (CNYLP) began in 1982 with the vision of drawing elements of the tribe together through an innovative youth program designed to instill self-confidence, positive regard for Cherokee identity, and a sense of community spirit through service to others. Patterned after the National Youth Leadership…

The Indian Youth Leadership Program and the Indian Youth Leadership Camp (IYLC) were created in 1981 in response to the need to develop specific skills in Indian youth who will assume leadership positions in the future at the family, school, community, tribal, and national level. Patterned after the National Youth Leadership Camp, the IYLC emerged…