Indigenous young people across the Mid-Atlantic region have an exciting opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and make a lasting impact on climate justice. The Earth Guardians Indigenous Youth Initiative is now accepting applications for its 2026 Leadership Training Program, a weeklong retreat and training designed for Indigenous youth ages 18–30.
Open to participants from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, the program focuses on building the next generation of Indigenous climate leaders. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and community-building, participants will explore the connections between environmental justice, cultural revitalization, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).
The training includes a virtual pre-training gathering, a four-day in-person retreat at Roots to Sky Sanctuary in Western Maryland, and ongoing mentorship after the program concludes. Participants will learn community organizing strategies, nonviolent direct action, media and storytelling skills, and develop climate justice projects that can be implemented in their own communities.
Those who complete the program will have the opportunity to form Earth Guardians Crews and apply for up to $1,000 in project funding to support their initiatives. Best of all, all travel, lodging, meals, and training expenses are fully covered for accepted participants.
With only 20 spots available, the program is highly competitive and aims to uplift Indigenous voices at the forefront of climate action. The initiative continues the legacy of Indigenous-led environmental movements while creating new pathways for youth leadership, community empowerment, and meaningful change.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the summer session application deadline of June 1, 2026. Indigenous youth interested in creating positive change in their communities are encouraged to apply and become part of a growing movement for environmental and cultural justice.
