Indigeneity Youth Programming at Bioneers 2025

The Bioneers Native Youth Leadership Program (NYLP) creates opportunities for Native youth to participate in and network at the annual Bioneers Conference and Indigenous Forum. The program prioritizes serving Native youth living in California first, followed by Native youth from across the nation. We also include Indigenous youth from Canada, Mexico and other parts of the Americas living in California, with special attention to refugees and migrants.  

The NYLP offers scholarships to Native communities to participate in all aspects of the Bioneers conference and Indigenous Forum, while offering a fully programmed, three-day “Native Youth Leadership Track” with cultural arts and activities, tailored to the unique needs of Native American youth. Native youth are invited to participate in all conference events as honored guests, including talking circles, leadership development workshops, art making, and mentorship with Indigenous leaders. The Indigeneity Program’s Native Youth Leadership and Intercultural Conversations Programs will hold cultural workshops inside the David Brower Center this year.

Our home base in the Brower Center will be shared with youth attendees from all over. The space will act as a hub for youth in the Intercultural Conversations, Native Youth Ambassadors Program – an intergenerational space where Indigenous youth are centered. You can find a full schedule of programming for the Indigenous Forum here.

Invited guests are expected to follow our community agreement protocols during workshops and discussions:

*Ask Permission

*One Voice, One Mic

*Honor Confidentiality

*Invitation not Obligation

*Give Space, Take Space

*Speak from Your Experience

*Listen with Curiosity and Compassion

Wednesday, March 26

2:30 to 5 pm – East Bay Solidarity Tour with Ethnic Ties

Enjoy the sights and stories of the people behind local and national movements, who make this unique area a hub of social justice activism. Joining us on this tour led by culturally-competent guides to:

  • Celebrate the vibrant cultural history of Berkeley
  • Learn about historic and current cross-cultural solidarity movements
  • Visit foundational cultural and historical landmarks
  • Make lasting memories with locals and visitors alike
  • Visit the Myers Center for Research on Native American Issues on campus

Space is limited. Please reach out to Indigenity@bioneers.org to reserve your spot.

5 pm – Bioneers Youth Orientation

Meet us in the Tamalpais room inside the David Brower Center for a Bioneers-wide youth mixer on the evening before the conference starts. Dinner will be served.

7 pm – Resident Orca Screening – with Raynell Morries Q&A

Resident Orca is a powerful film about the struggle to free Lolita, a captive whale held in the smallest killer whale tank in North America for 53 years, highlighting the alliance of Indigenous matriarchs, experts, and a philanthropist in the fight for her survival, followed by a Q&A with activist Raynell Morris. Held in the David Brower Center – Goldman Theater.

Thursday, March 27

3 to 4:15 pm Nurturing the Tree/Hoop of Life

David Brower Center – Tamalpais

Friday, March 28

3 pm – Na leo o Kohala: Voice’s of Kohala “Mo’olelo” Storytelling with Kuliamai

Na Leo o Kohala is a heartfelt project dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich oral histories of elders from Kohala, Hawai‘i. This initiative seeks to capture the wisdom, experiences, and stories of kupuna (elders) who have lived through transformative periods in Hawai‘i’s history, offering an authentic glimpse into the traditions, values, and cultural identity of the region.

Through their voices, the project highlights the deep connection between Kohala’s people and their ‘āina (land), showcasing how cultural practices, family legacies, and community bonds have shaped Hawai‘i’s unique identity. These narratives serve as a bridge between generations, preserving the essence of Hawaiian culture for future descendants while fostering a sense of pride and belonging in the community.

Na Leo o Kohala not only safeguards these invaluable stories but also invites reflection on the broader themes of Hawaiian identity, resilience, and the importance of storytelling as a means of cultural preservation. This project stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Kohala and its people, reminding us all of the power of voices to connect past, present, and future.

4:45 pm – Medicine: California Pine Nuts and Bear Grass Braiding with Jessie

This workshop will go over sanding and cleaning Pine Nuts to make traditional jewelry. Youth participants will also be able to see a demonstration of Bear Grass Braiding.

Saturday, March 29

3 pm – Make a Zine + Collage! With Neetz and Anna

A dual art workshop with two stations: collage and zine-making! Attendees can switch between both sections, with prompts, guidance, and all supplies will be provided.