The Mvskoke Nation Youth Council has made it a mission to protect and respect the land that sustains our people. Through education, direct action, and community collaboration, MNYC is helping lead a youth-powered movement in environmental awareness and land stewardship.
This year, MNYC revitalized their Community Clean-Up Challenge with renewed energy and a broader focus. The 2025 version of the challenge encouraged tribal families, schools, and other youth groups to organize clean-up events in their own neighborhoods. To set the tone, MNYC hosted a kickoff clean-up at Turkey Mountain and Bales Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma—natural spaces cherished by the community. Members collected six full bags of trash in just two hours, showcasing the difference that small, consistent efforts can make.
The challenge didn’t stop there. MNYC members invited the community to share photos and stories of their own clean-ups, creating a wave of environmental action across the region. Plans are underway for a Spring Clean Sweep in multiple tribal jurisdictions, and partnerships with environmental services and park departments are growing stronger.
Looking forward, the youth council has big plans for sustainable living. With support from the College of the Muscogee Nation, members have received instruction from agricultural professors and tribal horticulturists on how to care for native plants, compost, and maintain raised garden beds. MNYC is preparing to launch their own garden program, with an eye toward food sovereignty, healing through plant medicine, and traditional Mvskoke agricultural knowledge.
While this new initiative is in its planning stages, members have begun volunteering at the Yardeka Community Garden to learn firsthand about soil health, seasonal planting, and community harvesting. This hands-on learning bridges traditional knowledge with modern techniques, laying the foundation for future Mvskoke youth to reconnect with the land.
In every seed planted and every piece of litter collected, MNYC members are demonstrating respect for the environment and a commitment to protecting their home for future generations. Through these initiatives, they are not just cleaning parks—they are cultivating a movement.