Pathways for native youth

No longer left behind: Honoring Native youth with the care and community they deserve.

Project Avary is honored to walk alongside Native youth impacted by parental incarceration, recognizing the deep intergenerational trauma caused by both the carceral system and centuries of systemic oppression. Native American children experience parental incarceration at higher rates than any other group in the U.S., yet they are often left out of conversations around youth support and healing.

In response, this deepening of our work is guided by the lived experience of one of our counselors of Yurok descent. She walked this path as a child and now returns to support others impacted by parental incarceration  (read her story here). Through relationship-building with tribal people, educators, and community members, we are expanding our outreach and adapting our programming to better serve Native youth. At the heart of this effort is a recognition of the resilience, brilliance, and strength Native youth carry, along with the support they deserve.

This community-led approach is essential not only to addressing systemic trauma, but to ensuring Native youth feel seen, valued, and empowered in their healing journey.