This July 15th – 17th 2026, Native youth from across our community gathered for three days of learning, connection, and cultural enrichment during the 2026 Gathering of Native Youth Culture Camp. Hosted in collaboration between the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center's Native Connections Program and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) Recreation Department, the camp was designed to strengthen cultural identity while promoting healthy lifestyles, leadership, and behavioral wellness.
Each day offered new opportunities for participants to explore traditional teachings, develop practical life skills, and build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and community members. Through cultural activities, talking circles, outdoor experiences, team-building challenges, and wellness education, youth were encouraged to discover their strengths while learning the importance of caring for themselves, one another, and their communities.
Throughout the camp, participants experienced the values of belonging, mastery, interdependence, generosity, and resilience through hands-on learning. Whether working together during group activities, sharing stories around the circle, participating in traditional teachings, or spending time outdoors, each experience reinforced the message that culture is a powerful source of healing and belonging.
Behavioral health and substance use prevention themes were woven naturally throughout the camp, demonstrating that prevention extends beyond simply avoiding harmful behaviors. Prevention also means strengthening protective factors such as positive relationships, cultural connectedness, self-confidence, emotional wellness, and a strong sense of purpose. By combining evidence-based prevention strategies with Indigenous ways of knowing, youth experienced a holistic approach to wellness that honored both tradition and contemporary behavioral health practices.
One of the greatest strengths of the camp was the sense of community that developed over the course of the three days. Youth encouraged one another, stepped outside their comfort zones, celebrated each other's successes, and created friendships that will continue long after camp has ended. The laughter, conversations, and shared experiences captured throughout the week reflect the spirit of the camp and the bright future of our Native youth.
The Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center would like to thank the Recreation staff, cultural presenters, elders, community partners, volunteers, and families whose support made this year's camp possible. Most importantly, thank you to the youth who brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and open hearts to every activity. You are the future leaders of our tribal communities, and it was an honor to spend these three days learning and growing alongside you.
We hope you enjoy the following photos highlighting some of the memorable moments from this year's Gathering of Native Youth.
Day 1: Belonging
Day 2: Mastery & Interdependence
Day 3: Generosity
Editor's Note: Reno ICO played a small role in contributing to the success of this trip. We provided sleeping bags to the youth! Gratitude goes to our partner organization, Sierra Nevada Journeys (SNJ) who hosted the camp at their Grizzly Creek facility near Portola, CA. When the camp was being planned, the sleeping bag issue came up, and SNJ suggested that Joseph Cano contact Reno Inspiring Connections Outdoors to see if we could provide them. Joseph did just that, learning that in order to use the equipment, this had to be a Reno ICO trip with a certified ICO Trip Leader. Over the span of a couple of months, Joseph filed all the paperwork and took all the classes to become an ICO Leader. This was Joseph's provisional trip! Kudos to Joseph for making the whole thing happen. We are hoping that the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony takes more trips with Reno ICO.