Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Internship Program
Applications for Fall 2024 TEK Program are OPEN
Deadline is September 29 (First day of class)
Program Overview
This program teaches local youth how the Wintun/Patwin People flourished in partnership with the plants and animals of this area. Students will receive…
- Hands-on Learning
- Youth Leadership
- Mentorship and Land Stewardship
- Discipline and Self-Confidence
The practices students will learn are the same as those that have supported the lives and art of the people who have lived here for thousands of years. These practices kept the land and water healthy and productive, and can be used today for restoration and stewardship of damaged and recovering ecosystems.
By reflecting on Wintun Homeland Teachings, TEK participants build a sense of place and self-awareness within the Wintun Homeland. Being present and aware plays a major role in hands on learning. Using all your senses help you become aware of your sense of place and homeland in the world.
Who is this program for?
This TEK education program is for 14- to 17-year-old Native and BIPOC students as well as their high-school allies, friends and families who are interested in learning the Cache Creek Wintun Homeland ecology.
High-school-age students from all of California, the US and beyond are welcome.
Apply soon! Only ten spaces are available.
There are many rural students who are without direct connections with their native community. Help us spread the word to these children and their non-native families who are also welcome to attend.
You can download the flyer and brochure to share with your network online and in person, especially your local schools. Thank you.
Program Description
- The programs runs from September 29 to November 17, 2024.
- Program dates: 9/29, 10/13, 10/27, 11/10 and 11/17.
- Class meets nearly every other Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm at the Tending & Gathering Garden (TGG).
- Applications are open to high-school students, ages 14-17.
- Only 10 applicants will be accepted.
- The work is mostly outdoors and work clothes are necessary.
Stipend for Native/BIPOC students
A stipend is available for Native American students as well as any BIPOC students, from near and far, who are willing to complete all 30 hours of the program and the program assignment.
The assignment is to finish a project and create a reflection in the form of an essay, video or presentation at the end of the program.
We are grateful to the Native Cultures Fund of Humboldt Area Foundation for this stipend.
Staff and Mentor Team
Diana Almendariz (Maidu/Wintun, Nisenan and Hupa/Yurok) will lead the program. She is a well-known Wintun Homeland cultural practitioner and teacher. For more than 20 years, she has dedicated her life to teaching and sharing the culture and life lessons of her Native American Indian heritage. Her contemporary expression of her lessons depicts these experiences as alive and thriving, as well as calming and reassuring to our modern lives today.
Other facilitators and guest speakers will provide a range of experiences and knowledge that with help you develop a fuller understanding of your world and your place in it.
The Tending and Gathering Garden (TGG) at the Cache Creek Nature Preserve will serve as your classroom. Directions to the Nature Preserve can be found on our Contact page.
What is TEK?
Traditional Ecological Knowledge is knowledge passed down to or re-discovered by Native American People. Native Practitioners like Diana Almendariz have devoted their life to learning, practicing and teaching the ways her ancestors took care of the land to provide clean water, food, shelter, medicines, tools and art for thousands of years.
The following principles make up a TEK education in the Wintun Homeland.
Climate Action
Using culturally relevant methods of increasing local biodiversity. This program will include information about native species of plants and how to best manage them for the animals and peoples usages, using traditional/cultural methods of management.
Cultural Tradition
With guidance and discipline, students will build confidence and obtain skills to gain cultural competence. For example, being part of gathering materials is as essential as knowing the whole process.
Collaboration
Team Building with Cultural Competence Protocol; an ability to understand, communicate, and interact with people from different cultures in an effective and respectful way.
Land Stewardship
Teaching our youth to invigorate the land for healthy plant populations. Traditional methods are finally, gradually, being recognized by government agencies, universities as the best way to manage land and water systems.