About Us
Cattail Rising is an Inter-Tribal, women-led organization dedicated to self-determination, cultural sovereignty, and authentic representation of Tribal Nations in education, uplifting Native youth through culture. We prioritize collaboration, cultural integrity, and collective resilience, fostering shared power and ensuring our programs reflect the voices and needs of our communities. Grounded in cultural foundations, we develop policies and programs that honor the sovereignty and protocols of Tribal Nations. Currently fiscally sponsored by yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective, we are working toward 501(c)(3) status.
Mission
Our mission is to empower and nurture the success and well-being of Native youth, including citizens and descendants of sovereign Tribal nations. We are dedicated to co-creating immersive, creative, and innovative educational experiences through land-based programs and co-designed curricula that foster cultural identity, strengthen community connections, and cultivate a deep sense of belonging.
Vision
At Cattail Rising, we envision a land-based education system that centers Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, culture, and community, while reflecting and responding to the unique needs of Native youth. Our vision is to create a reimagined, culturally-grounded education system built through collaboration and a community-centered ethos. This transformed model honors ancestral knowledge and integrates traditional ways of knowing and learning, addressing the cultural strengths and needs of Native youth that the current western education system cannot fully support.
We believe that by fostering a sense of curiosity, creativity, identity, and belonging through culturally rooted education, Native youth will be empowered to envision and shape their own futures. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills to uphold their sovereignty and self-determination, while honoring their heritage and the legacy of their ancestors. Through this approach, we create opportunities for Native youth to thrive and contribute to the collective well-being of their communities for generations to come.
Centering Our Work
At the heart of Cattail Rising is an unwavering commitment to the self-determination and sovereignty of Tribal Peoples. Guided by the values and principles rooted in our cultural lifeways, we uplift the voices and visions of our communities, ensuring they lead the way in shaping their futures. Grounded in the cultural landscapes and teachings of this place, we honor the inherent rights of Tribal Peoples to protect their knowledge, traditions, and lands, fostering resilience and empowerment for present and future generations.