IYEP Envision Statement

We envision indigenous youth to be empowering leaders within their schools and native communities. We forsee youth reclaiming a healthy balance of communal and traditional well being by emphasizing the value of respect. We believe the teaching of traditional knowledge to youth will assist in sustaining and maintaining indigenous nations for the next seven generations. 

Background 

The IYEP is a collaboration with the Lansing School District-Title VII Native American Program and Michigan State University's Residential College in the Arts & Humanites. IYEP is a program for all indigenous youth of Ingham County. The program discusses:

• Building community through traditional knowledge,
• Empowering Indigenous youth through cultural awareness,
• Emphasizing and assisting the importance of academics

Eligibility

The IYEP is open to all youth communities in Ingham County, however there is an emphasis on supporting and empowering the American Indian youth community.

There is no cost to attend any of the programming, however pre-registration is required for all events as well as parental consent to partake in the programs.

Contact Information

If you would like more information regarding IYEP, please contact Dr. J. Estrella Torrez at (517) 884-1327 or by email at torrezjs@msu.edu.