Empowering Native Youth Through Literacy: RedRover Readers Partnership with the Sacramento Native American Health Center
August 28th, 2024
By Minhhan Takemoto, Program Manager
RedRover Readers is thrilled to share our continued partnership with the Sacramento Native American Health Center’s Early Ages Gathering to Learn Empathy through Stories (EAGLES) Program, dedicated to nurturing Native youth through the power of storytelling and community. This summer, our collaboration reached new heights with the introduction of six new Native-centered books selected to reflect the human-animal bond and rich cultural heritage of Native communities.
In August and September, we piloted interactive readings of these thoughtfully chosen books with Native youth, sparking engagement and dialogue that celebrates their stories and traditions, strengthening their connection to animals and nature. Our joint effort extended beyond reading; we co-created a comprehensive curriculum designed to lead discussions to help build their empathy, perspective-taking, and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills.
By the time you read this article, we will have trained a group of high school Native Youth Facilitators. These young leaders will play a pivotal role in guiding their younger peers through these culturally resonant narratives and fostering a deeper connection to animals, nature, and their heritage.
This initiative not only empowers youth with SEL and literacy skills but also strengthens community bonds and cultural pride. We are grateful to our members and donors for their continued support, which makes these transformative experiences possible. Together, we are creating a brighter future for Native youth through the joy and wisdom of shared stories.
Want to get involved?
