The Siletz Tribal Youth Council (STYC) continues to shine as a powerful force of service, wellness, and cultural preservation within the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Over the past year, STYC members have led a series of impactful activities rooted in honoring their ancestors, serving their community, and empowering future generations. Their efforts demonstrate how youth can be central to sustaining traditions, promoting wellness, and building strong Native communities.
Honoring Ancestors Through the Run to the Rogue
One of the council’s most spiritually significant events was participating in the 2024 Run to the Rogue. About 30–40 Siletz youth took part in this 180-mile relay run, commemorating the historical journey from the present-day Siletz Reservation back to their ancestral lands along the Rogue River.
Tia Butler, a leading member of STYC, shared that the Run is much more than a physical event: “It’s a way to remember and honor our ancestors who were forced to walk this same path. Each step we take is a prayer back to our original homelands.” The experience connected youth to their history through endurance, reflection, and community, offering a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience embedded in their bloodlines.
Building Traditions with the Regalia Sharing Closet
In November 2024, STYC partnered with the Siletz Regalia Sharing Closet to host a Make One, Take One Otter Hair Wrap Workshop. With support from a First People’s Fund grant, Siletz youth gathered to create two pairs of traditional hair ties — one to keep and one to donate to the community regalia closet.
Youth mentor Sonya Moody-Jurado, who facilitated the event, explained the deeper importance behind the workshop: “We are not just making regalia — we are preserving our traditions and ensuring every youth has access to participate in ceremonies like Powwows and Nee-Dosh dances.”
These cultural workshops strengthen the spirit of giving and ensure that cultural participation is accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Each carefully wrapped otter hair tie represented both pride and a commitment to community.
Fueling the Future: Powwow Fundraising for Youth Leadership
During the annual Siletz Powwow in August 2024, STYC set up a vibrant booth, selling handmade items and sharing information about their mission. Twenty youth volunteered their time to educate the community about the purpose of the Youth Council and how others could get involved.
Through their booth, they raised funds for future leadership training, service projects, and travel opportunities, ensuring that more Native youth can engage in activities like UNITY Conferences and cultural exchanges. As one STYC member put it, “Every bracelet we sell or conversation we have is planting seeds for our future leaders.”
Giving Back: The Elder’s Wood Cut Project
In July 2024, STYC youth also participated in a hands-on service project to support their elders. As part of the Elder’s Wood Cut event in Siletz, Oregon, youth helped chop, stack, and deliver firewood to elders throughout the community.
This project, which promoted physical wellness while honoring the tribe’s elders, was another way for youth to live out the values of respect, service, and generosity. Tia Butler reflected, “Serving our elders is not just a duty; it’s a way to show gratitude for all they have given to us.”
This simple but powerful act reminds youth that true leadership is rooted in service.
Promoting Wellness Through Cultural Connection
Across all their activities, the Siletz Tribal Youth Council promotes social, physical, and spiritual wellness through traditional teachings and hands-on experiences. In her report, Tia Butler emphasized the importance of wellness-based cultural sharing: “STYC is very big on promoting wellness through cultural activities and teachings. It would be really great to see UNITY incorporate more opportunities for cultural sharing that is physical, social, or an activity.”
Whether running in honor of ancestors, crafting regalia, serving elders, or building new youth leaders at powwows, the Siletz Tribal Youth Council continues to light the way for Native youth leadership — one event, one dance, and one act of service at a time.
