Youth Conference Gathers Indigenous Teens at Lake Tahoe
Keepers of Tomorrow brought Indigenous youth and advisors from Arizona, California and Nevada together for four days of cultural exchange.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Native American
The Intergenerational Healing Project hosted the Keepers of Tomorrow Indigenous youth conference October 25-28 at Zephyr Point Conference Center. Participants from Arizona, California and Nevada exchanged handgames, songs, traditional games, regalia and coming-of-age teachings.
Why it matters
The conference uses a peer-to-peer cultural exchange model that connects young Indigenous people with their traditions and with one another across state lines. It also builds leadership skills and personal well-being in participants.
The conference ran four days, October 25-28, 2026, with attendees from three states. The extraction does not state attendance numbers or the specific tribal nations represented.
The players
Intergenerational Healing Project
A program that uses a peer-to-peer cultural exchange model to connect Indigenous youth with traditional knowledge and community leadership.
Stacey Montooth
Executive Director of the Nevada Indian Commission, who presented on the history of Stewart Indian School at the conference.
Angie Martinez
Domestic Violence Coordinator who facilitated a session on healthy boundaries and prevention of teen dating violence.
The details
Activities included a Mock Tribal Council Meeting that introduced participants to tribal governance and decision-making. A session facilitated by Domestic Violence Coordinator Angie Martinez addressed healthy boundaries and prevention of teen dating violence, while Nevada Indian Commission Executive Director Stacey Montooth presented on the history of Stewart Indian School.
Timeline
October 25-28, 2026: Keepers of Tomorrow conference held at Zephyr Point Conference Center.
Late spring or early summer 2027: Sigayuk Tournament anticipated.
Cultural Continuity
The conference's history session on Stewart Indian School, a federal boarding school, places today's youth gatherings in direct response to past efforts to separate Native children from their language and traditions. Participants' exchange of handgames, songs and regalia reflects that reconnection in practice.
Nevada families and young people interested in Indigenous cultural programs can look to this model for peer-based learning and leadership. The upcoming tournaments offer a direct way for community members to take part in traditional games.
The takeaway
Cultural knowledge passed between peers can strengthen identity and leadership among young people. Families and educators interested in similar programs can look for peer-led exchanges that include traditional games and governance education.
What happens next
The Intergenerational Healing Project plans a regional Hand Game Tournament and a Sigayuk Tournament, with the Sigayuk event anticipated in late spring or early summer 2027.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by The Record-Courier.
