Each year, Dreamstarter Academy (DSA) brings together young Native leaders from across the country for a week of learning, cultural grounding, and project development. Hosted by Running Strong for American Indian Youth®, the Academy is designed to support Dreamstarters as they build community‑centered projects rooted in identity, culture, and purpose.
In April 2026, Dreamstarter Academy returned to Sacramento, California, with a powerful theme: Food Sovereignty. Over four days of workshops, mentorship, cultural experiences, and hands‑on learning, Dreamstarters explored what it means to reclaim traditional knowledge, strengthen community wellness, and lead with intention.
What unfolded was more than a training. It was a transformation.
Day 1: Building the Foundation
The week began with energy, anticipation, and a shared sense of purpose. Day 1 focused on grounding—both in story and in vision. Dreamstarters spent time crafting their narratives, clarifying the “why” behind their projects, and evaluating the impact they hoped to create.
These early sessions helped participants refine their ideas and articulate the deeper meaning behind their work. It was the first step in shaping the projects they felt called to lead.
Day 2: Turning Vision Into Action
With their foundations set, Dreamstarters moved into action. Day 2 centered on SMART goals—breaking big dreams into clear, intentional steps.
This shift helped participants begin turning ideas into actionable community projects. Participants began mapping out the path forward, identifying what success would look like, and outlining the steps needed to bring their ideas to life.
The day ended on the water, where everyone gathered for a boat dinner. After hours of learning and collaboration, the chance to unwind, laugh, and connect deepened the sense of community within the group.
Day 3: Reflection, Identity, and Food as Medicine
Day 3 invited everyone to slow down and reflect. During the Medicine Bags session, Dreamstarters and staff created personal items that encouraged them to think about identity, purpose, and what they carry with them on their journey. It was a quiet but meaningful moment—one that connected people not just to the work, but to each other.
Later, the group came together for a traditional meal prepared with the Three Sisters corn, beans, and squash foods that have sustained Native communities for generations. Alongside shepherd’s bread and manoomin (wild rice), the meal became a celebration of culture, collaboration, and shared experience.
Food has a way of bringing people together, and this meal did exactly that.
Day 4: Courage and Creativity
The final day of programming centered on courage, the courage to share your story, take the next step, and lead with purpose. Dreamstarters participated in a traditional basket‑weaving session, learning to work with natural materials and create something by hand, step by step.
The practice required patience, focus, and presence. The process reflected many of the same qualities leadership requires: weaving together knowledge, community, and intention.
That evening, the closing circle brought everything full circle. Dreamstarters shared “I Am” poems, powerful reflections on identity, voice, and personal journey. Guided prompts encouraged honesty and vulnerability, and the room filled with laughter, truth, and tears.
In just a few days, something real had been built.
Closing Ceremony: Carrying Purpose Forward
As the Academy came to a close, Dreamstarters gathered for a final ceremony with Billy Mills. His message was simple but profound: stay committed to your vision, and continue developing the skills needed to bring your dreams to life.
Over four days, participants didn’t just build projects; they built confidence, clarity, and community. They left carrying more than ideas. They left carrying purpose.
One Dreamstarter captured the feeling perfectly:
“This experience has helped me understand that the work we’re doing is part of something bigger. It’s about bringing things back our practices, our youth, our connections, and healing our communities.”
This is what Dreamstarter Academy is all about. And we’re incredibly proud of each and every Dreamstarter stepping forward to lead, create, and strengthen their communities.
Visit our 2026 Dreamstarter page to learn more about this year’s Dreamstarters and their projects: https://indianyouth.org/2026-dreamstarters/
