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Inspiring Brilliance in Native Youth

Empowerment

ECLD programs serve Tataviam and urban Native American youth who currently reside on Tataviam homelands.  The programs seek to improve the self-concept and sense of identity of American Indian students and adults.

Academic Training

ECLD leaders serve as mentors to Native youth by providing them with tools to succeed in educational institutions and helping them alleviate academic-based stress and insecurities as they pursue their academic goals.

Cultural Education

ECLD leaders enhance the confidence of Native youth by emphasizing the importance of culture, and intertwines cultural values into its programs.

See our programs

Interested in ECLD Programs?

‘Sewing Circle’ Program

In Spring 2018, the ECLD is hosting a sewing circle workshop that includes Elders and their families. Read more here.

‘Read With Me’ Program

ECLD is participating in the Read With Me Program to provide you and your child with books and materials so that you can enjoy books together. Read more here.

‘TAMIT Time’ Program

We offer tutoring throughout the school year to assist in all aspect of our students academic needs. Read more here.

Current ECLD Students
25
Total ECLD Programs
6
ECLD Graduations
40

Our Philosophy:

To incorporate education and leadership development initiative through community building using non-traditional and traditional American Indian (AI) teaching methods while incorporating Indigenous values for Native Americans to:

  • Improve AI student academic achievement
  • Increase the number of AI attending college
  • Create a young generation of future leaders to positively impact their community
  • Reaffirm cultural values and identity
  • Build capacity and a sustainable program model
ECLD students who increased their academic grades
98%
High School level ECLD students who continued their education
90%
ECLD students who increased academic confidence
97%
ECLD students who learned additional cultural practices, history, and skills
98%

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ECLD?

Learn more

Our Leaders

Makha Blu Wakpa, PhD
Program Director
Makha Blu Wakpa, PhD
Program Director
Jenee Ornelas
Program Coordinator
Jenee Ornelas
Program Coordinator
Itati Ortega
Program Assistant
Itati Ortega
Program Assistant
About Our Leaders

Video Diary

Click here to watch more videos…

Video by Timothy Ryan Ornelas

Acknowledgements