Ninijanisag
Our Children
The Ninijanisag (Our Children) Program was launched in 1993 to combat startlingly high rates of violence, chemical use/abuse, suicide, and other self-compromising behaviors among American Indian youth. Ninijanisag teaches youth ages 10 – 21 about problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills in a community and cultural context. This multifaceted program focuses heavily on engagement and prevention – working to ground youth in Native culture while keeping them away from alcohol and substance abuse, teen dating violence, gang involvement, and potentially homelessness.
Using the American Indian Life Skills Development Curriculum by Teresa LaFromboise (associate professor in the School of Education at Stanford University), traditional American Indian cultural activities are offered weekly and include drum and dance, sweat lodge, traditional crafting, talking circles, traditional storytelling, and intergenerational language tables. Leadership opportunities include public speaking, peer mentoring, and planning community cultural events.
Ninijanisag also uses the White Bison Wellbriety Program to support the families of homeless youth. ADYC’s programs are grounded in the value that when we strengthen the lives of the people who surround our homeless youth, we increase their capacty to be successful.
For referral information please contact Angela Gauthier, Children & Families Program Director.
1089 Portland Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104
P: 651.227.4184 ext. 12
F: 651.224.5136
E: angela.gauthier@aindahyung.com
Click here to download the Ninijanisag Referral Form and return it to Angela Gauthier.
