Our Approach
We Put Youth
First
Our focus on youth programs fosters change across age groups and entire communities.
American Indian-Led
Our leadership is committed to preserving the traditions, languages and sanctity of American Indian communities.
We Help Where Needed Most
Rather than coming into a community and announcing what we will do, we listen to what our partners tell us they need.
Billy Mills
Billy Mills, Oglala Lakota (Sioux) is Running Strong’s National Spokesperson. An Olympic gold medalist at the 1964 Olympics, Billy has dedicated his life to serving Native American communities.
Running Strong Changes Lives
Program Spotlight
Organic Food and Gardens
Our organic gardens and food programs tackle malnutrition by providing healthy meals and fresh produce to Native American children and their families. We help to establish community gardens, household gardens, and communal greenhouse programs while also integrating educational and cultural aspects and how to plant traditional gardens.
Program Spotlight
Clean Water
When Running Strong for American Indian Youth® was formed in 1986, getting clean, safe drinking water to the residents of Pine Ridge was one of our top priorities. Previously, Running Strong satisfied this need by drilling water wells. However, the need for wells declined as the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System was created and water lines were laid providing access to water.
Dreamstarter
When Running Strong for American Indian Youth® was formed in 1986, getting clean, safe drinking water to the residents of Pine Ridge was one of our top priorities. Previously, Running Strong satisfied this need by drilling water wells. However, the need for wells declined as the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System was created and water lines were laid providing access to water.
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Kicking off DSA 23’ right w/ this amazing group!! Off to trainings they go 😆 ... See MoreSee Less
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Keep up the good work!
Anpa’o’s dream is to teach Native youth to use storytelling to create more awareness of social and environmental injustices faced by tribal nations across the country and make impactful change in their communities.
The Indigenous Youth Leadership Initiative brings together youth leaders from over 20 tribal nations to hone leadership skills, encourage community, and engage in social and environmental justice.
Learn more about Anpa’o and the rest of the 2023 Dreamstarters at www.IndianYouth.org/2023Dreamstarters
*photos courtesy of Anpa’o Locke ... See MoreSee Less
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Dreamstarter Teacher Apllications are open again! We will be accepting applicaitons March 28 through June 16, 2023. Apply or learn more at indianyouth.org/dreamstarterteacher
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Kiara Shanice Lomaomva-Lomayokva Lomaomva Textiles
Dive into World Water Day, a celebration of our most precious resource and a reminder that 2 billion people still lack safe water access. Running Strong for American Indian Youth® is on a mission to provide Pine Ridge residents with clean, safe H2O! Your generous drops in our bucket can make a huge splash! Discover how you can be part of this life-saving wave of change here: indianyouth.org/what-we-do/our-programs/clean-water/https://indianyouth.org/what-we-do/our-progra...
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Keeping up with our Microenterprise Development Program, run by Dreamstarter Josh Smith!! ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations!
Sara’s dream is to engage Native youth in her community with traditional food systems and teach them how to use their cultural practices to address food security issues.
Through the Three Sisters Garden, Native students can grow indigenous plants, learn traditional recipes, and have access to fresh and healthy food.
Learn more about Sara and the rest of the 2023 Dreamstarters at www.IndianYouth.org/2023Dreamstarters
*photos courtesy of Sara Powell
Nebo Title VI Indian Education ... See MoreSee Less
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