- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Join us for a special edition of Native Bidaské LIVE, where Levi Rickert, founder and publisher of Native News Online, sits down with Wambli Quintana, a dynamic young leader hailing from Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Wambli, with roots in both the Navajo and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, is celebrated for his resilience, aspiration, and unwavering commitment to fostering positive change. In this enlightening conversation, we'll delve into the pressing issues of environmentalism and climate change, exploring Wambli's insightful perspectives and vision for a sustainable future.
As a senior at Dupree High School, Wambli is not only excelling academically but is also actively engaged in his community. From his involvement in the National Honor Society to his exploration of STEM interests through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Wambli is shaping his path towards a future where he envisions expanding opportunities in sustainable energy and green practices for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's people and land.
Inspired by his grandmother, Bernadine Little Thunder, Wambli embraces challenges as opportunities to drive lasting change. He has served on CRYP’s Youth Advisory Council and is deeply engaged in CRYP’s Growing into Wowachineyepi program, reflecting his dedication to empowering his community and fostering a brighter future.
In this special episode, we'll celebrate Wambli's journey, his resilience, and his commitment to making a difference. Quintana will discuss his passion for the environment, work with the Cheyenne River Youth Project, experiences at environmental conferences, and the importance of intergenerational relationships and caring for the land.
He also talks about being on stage last month in Miami at the “Aspen Ideas: Climate” event with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). He was able to ask her two questions relating to climate change.
Tune in to Native Bidaské LIVE this Friday, March 22nd at Noon ET on Native News Online's Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube channel to be inspired by Wambli's story of determination and hope.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Cheyenne River Youth Project Offers a Busy Summer with Clubs, Parties, Internships and More
NTU Men’s Skyhawks Host Competitive Basketball Tryouts
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
