2026 Tribal Youth Water Summit & Journeys in Creativity Pre-College Residency

The 2026 Changing Currents Tribal Youth Water Summit & Journeys in Creativity Pre-College Residency will take place at The Evergreen State College from August 10-13, 2026, with a virtual option. This event, a project of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, aims to empower Indigenous youth (ages 16-19, high school or early-college students) by providing leadership development tools and opportunities to amplify their voices on tribal water issues. The curriculum focuses on water resources, hydrology, conservation, and related career paths, often incorporating cultural perspectives and traditional knowledge, to support the next generation of Indigenous leaders in advocating for the health and sustainability of their communities' water resources. Participants will build peer-to-peer networks, learn from Indigenous environmental professionals, hear from Indigenous leaders, and gain exposure to university classes. The summit is part of a larger initiative focused on tribal community resilience, environmental stewardship, and leadership development.