Community Voices
Hear from the individuals, families, and partners who are at the heart of our work. Explore stories, testimonials, and perspectives that highlight the impact of our programs and the voices of those we serve.
Shelly Craig
“As a Yakama educator, I believe bridging the generational gap and preserving fading cultural traditions is of utmost importance in our public schools. Cattail Rising plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity and vitality of Native cultures for future generations. The opportunity for students to actively participate in such integral learning experiences is truly invaluable and helps to strengthen the fabric of our school and communities.
Since the fall of 2020, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Cattail Rising on students, school staff, and community members’ lives through youth programs, collaborative curriculum process working and professional development. Cattail Rising plays a vital role in grounding students in their ancestral knowledge, ways of learning, and cultural identity, serving as a source of strength from which they can achieve their full potential academically, creatively, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.”