Youth Justice
Life is a garden, dig it.
PAA’s Youth Justice Program was born out of the first “pilot” Cultivating Roots and Resistance (CRR) Internship in 2020. Since then, the Youth Justice Program has expanded to incorporate a deeply intentional group of CRR Fellows. PAA believes in uplifting youth and helping contribute to their ultimate success. Since 2024, PAA is proud to offer additional leadership development through the Strengthening Roots and Resistance (SRR) Mentorship and future opportunities to be a part of Youth Justice Membership. Youth fellows and mentors are given the autonomy to help lead and organize PAA events and are encouraged to participate in partner-org events. PAA affirms and welcomes all identities that Pueblo Youth bring, and we work to nurture a community of young relatives aged 18-25 as we recognize the importance of creating healthy and safe spaces for young people.
PURPOSE
PAA has cultivated a space for Pueblo youth to build community and belonging. We recognize that youth-led spaces are rare, and so our Youth Justice (YJ) Program aims to guide young leaders into practicing self-agency and centering our core values. The YJ Program uses a holistic approach to build capacity in youth leadership development, Pueblo grassroots advocacy, movement building, popular political education, direct action and incorporation of traditional knowledge in modern day organizing. Today’s generation of Pueblo youth have inherited a non consensual climate crisis, however there is a shared responsibility to protect Mother Earth. In the same light, Pueblo youth have also inherited the legacy of resistance of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt to incorporate strategies that directly oppose colonialism, patriarchy and capitalism.
Youth Justice Pillars of Growth
Cultivating Roots & Resistance Fellowship
Strengthening Roots & Resistance Mentors
PAA’s Youth Justice Program is sprouting!
3 Seeds:
Cultivating Roots & Resistance Fellowship
Strengthening Roots & Resistance Mentorship
Youth Justice Membership
Hon dobin a:ho’i - We are all one people (Zuni)
Hon dobin a:ho’i - We are all one people (Zuni)
Whee-dah ee-wah mah-yeh yu-nah bah-dah - We don't walk in this world alone (Taos)
Whee-dah ee-wah mah-yeh yu-nah bah-dah - We don't walk in this world alone (Taos)
ABOUT THE YOUTH JUSTICE PROGRAM
PAA is shifting a paradigm that creates spaces for Pueblo youth to learn about the real history of our Pueblo people, Indigenous resistance movements on a global scale, and apply those models of Indigenous movements to the issues that we are facing now. The YJ Program uplifts Pueblo youth voices, experiences, expertise, and visions of a world where we are able to practice our traditional core values in our everyday lives when it comes to protecting what is sacred, honoring our legacy of resistance, and fighting for our future generations. This program aims to bridge traditional lifeways, build networks for Pueblo youth, and foster innovative voices that address social and climate justice issues our tribal communities face today.
*To be eligible for the SRR Mentorship, applicants must complete the 10 month commitment to the CRR Fellowship. Upon completion of both the CRR Fellowship and SRR Mentorship, alumni have the opportunity to apply for PAA employment.