Good outlook for summer youth progam

The outlook is positive for the return of the Native Aspirations summer youth employment and education program.

Tribal health liaison Caroline Cruz said the program has received a preliminary okay, and will be presented to Tribal Council for final approval.

The program is funded through tribal Health and Human Services.

Last summer, 96 young people took part in Native Aspirations, spending six weeks at various jobs around the reservation.

There is also a two-day a week education component, where students learn about health, tribal culture, history and related topics.

Ten of the Native Aspirations positions are targeted to college students, and the rest are for high school-age students. For more information on the program contact Melinda Poitra at 541-553-3324.

An added feature for the summer of 2015 will be a Hearth of Oregon Corps team serving the reservation, Cruz said. This will be the first year that Warm Springs has its own Heart of Oregon crew, she said.

Heart of Oregon will provide summer employment and education for a crew of five on the reservation. This is for young people age 16-18.

The Heath of Oregon is a non-profit agency that reduces poverty, stimulates economic growth, and maintains the natural environment of the region.

Projects range from land conservation and fuels reduction in neighborhoods, to community service projects planned by the members.