The 2023 Summer Internship program was a success! Native Movement set out to create a program to introduce our youth to grassroots social justice organizing, have a leg up in future jobs and have an overall enriching experience connecting with Alaska Native cultures. Our inaugural cohort consisted of six interns from 16 to 22 years of age, all with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This cohort model allowed for them to exchange knowledge, grow together and form meaningful bonds.
The interns organized two community events: a Defend the Sacred Tie-Dye event and painting the Native Movement garden beds. They also coordinated composting for the entire Native Movement Fairbanks office building, planted, and maintained the Native Movement garden throughout the summer. The interns even had the opportunity to learn to cut and process fish with the help of April Monroe. They were able to experience many levels of movement work: screen printing, sign making, protesting and attending a court hearing related to the protest. The interns tabled at the Pride Picnic, Juneteenth, Midnight Sun Festival, WEIO, the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium and AYP. They organized, inventoried and maintained the social justice merchandise that they sold at those events.
Native Movement team and interns at the 2023 Native Movement Organizers Summit at Gaalee’ya Spirit Camp in Fairbanks, Alaska
As a part of their program they were given classes on Decolonization, Resumé writing and attended Native Movement’s Northern Organizers Summit with goal of deepening their understanding of community organizing. All of the training was built on a foundation of Indigenous ways of being. The Interns loved their experience and expressed interest in continuing to be a part of the Native Movement community and work. The entire Fairbanks office staff is so grateful to have had the Interns throughout the summer and they will be missed! Thanks to our Interns who brought such joy, light and help to us.
2023 Native Movement Fairbanks Summer Interns: Nick Nicholas, Trinity Villalobos, Vance Hogue, Avienda Titus, Delnor Johnson and Kip Angiak