The Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative is a 501(c)(3) compliant collaboration between the Maine Environmental Education Association and the Wabanaki Alliance.

Youth empowerment, Wabanaki sovereignty, and an integrated Wabanaki Studies education are some of the highest priorities for both MEEA and the Wabanaki Alliance. This project is all about engaging young people who are interested in advocacy, policy, and Wabanaki sovereignty. Involved youth will be guided through the lawmaking process in what is now called Maine, learning the ins and outs of becoming an advocate in the state legislature. They will then use these new skills to teach others in their communities and beyond through online resources, in-person workshops, and more.

Our youth are our future and our voices are sacred. As we go forward together we acknowledge the work of those who came before us and take deep responsibility in uplifting the future generations of young leaders. No level of climate justice can be reached without securing sovereignty for the first peoples of our land, and this begins with community education and strong policy decisions informed by the needs of Wabanaki communities.

The Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative saw many successes during its “pilot” season. As a result, we see a strong need to keep our momentum going and create year-long programming to ensure Wabanaki youth stay civically engaged and supported as we prepare for the upcoming policy work that lies ahead of us this fall, winter and beyond. A donation of any amount will go directly to support this critical Wabanaki youth-led initiative.

Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative

This project is self-determination in action for Wabanaki and non-Wabanaki youth, and support from our allies is critical. This is the time to uplift the next generation of leaders.

Team Members