Keeping Tribal Stories Alive

Our newest AMB West Community Fund grantee partner in Montana, First Voices, uses storytelling to create and enhance cultural connectedness between generations, tribes and Native/non-Native people. First Voices was created in response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. With the death of many elders, the younger generation was experiencing a critical loss of ancestral connection.

Through the First Voices program, students at reservation high schools and tribal colleges work with elders to share stories in native language and artistic expression. By tapping into the ancient wisdom of elders, the younger generation can connect to their heritage and find ways to apply this wisdom to their own lives. The videos will be archived and incorporated into Indian Education across all schools in Montana.

It’s an honor for us to support a movement preserving Indigenous history while engaging the youth in creative expression.

Watch the video below to hear from recent First Voice participants.