The tribes plan to continue and enhance the tribal youth program by improving their sober youth hangout project

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $500,000 Project Grant under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to the Shoshone Bannock Tribes. The grant will fund the development and implementation of a positive, community-based, and culturally enriched afterschool program for youth ages 10-17 on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. The program aims to serve as a preventative measure to keep youth out of the justice system by providing a safe, sober, and structured environment where they can learn traditional skills, connect with elders, and engage in mentorship opportunities. The 5-year grant, awarded on October 1, 2024, will enable the tribes to hire dedicated staff and cultural mentors to deliver this comprehensive youth development initiative.

The tribes propose to develop and implement a positive, community-based and culturally enriched afterschool program for youth ages 1017, which will serve as a preventative action in keeping youth out of the justice system. With the help of funding, the tribes can provide dedicated staff and cultural mentors for an afterschool program in a safe, sober, and structured environment. A well-structured and well-staffed afterschool program on the fort hall indian reservation can provide benefits for young people, such as learning traditional skills using culture-based activities and gaining a connectedness to elders as they are encouraged to learn from them. Participating in a mentorship program will result in youth forming positive collaborations with adults, elders, and tribal leaders and acquiring service opportunities and leadership roles within the community.