The Bishop Tribal Youth Council (BTYC) proudly participated in a two-day Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) event held at the Toiyabe Indian Health Project (TIHP) in Bishop, California. The event, facilitated by Native Wellness Institute, brought together over 100 community members in a powerful, culturally grounded experience focused on healing, unity, and wellness.
What made this GONA particularly impactful was its intergenerational approach. Youth were placed in dedicated groups separate from the broader community and were led by two former BTYC mentors, creating a safe and empowering space for young people to share, reflect, and grow. These youth-led sessions focused on topics such as cultural identity, self-expression, mental wellness, and resilience, providing participants with tools to navigate personal and collective healing.
Throughout the two days, attendees engaged in activities rooted in Indigenous tradition—storytelling, drumming, group discussions, and community-building exercises—all of which emphasized the importance of cultural connection in supporting mental and emotional health. The event was both well-organized and well-attended, underscoring the community’s strong commitment to healing together.
The GONA provided an opportunity for the Bishop Paiute community to honor its roots, celebrate its culture, and strengthen bonds across generations. The involvement of BTYC highlighted the importance of youth leadership in these spaces and the continued need for safe, culturally relevant gatherings that foster wellness and unity.
As one participant shared: “This experience reminded us that our stories matter, our culture heals, and together we are stronger.”
BTYC remains committed to uplifting Native youth voices and continuing to create spaces where healing and culture come together to guide the future.