What is Wakaya?
Wakaya is a Choctaw word meaning “to rise up.”
The Wakaya program is a wellness and leadership program for Native youth rooted in land, story and cultural identity.
With a balance of curriculum, creativity and community, Wakaya is designed to support each participant’s leadership capabilities, physical health, cultural knowledge and community engagement. These tools prepare participants to manage their health wholistically––in line with traditional values and their ancestors’ dreams.
The Program
The Winter and Spring 2026 Wakaya Cohorts meet twice per week over the course of six weeks on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. Each week, there will be one physical health session and one cultural health session.
In physical health sessions, activities may include hiking, stickball, indoor sports, etc. (Actual programming will adapt to fit weather circumstances and seasonal opportunities.)
Cultural activities include film screenings, oration practice, sacred site visits, sit-down discussions with community leaders, and more!
In addition, each cohort will participate in at least one overnight camping trip, volunteer with a local community event, and participate in three follow-up sessions following the conclusion of their program.
Enrollment
Our application for Wakaya's Winter and Spring cohorts is now LIVE!
The deadline to apply for the Winter Cohort (March-April 2026) is FEBRUARY 17.
Click the button below to learn more and apply.
Additional Perks
Wakaya is completely free for all participants!
In addition, participants receive:
- Up to a $345 stipend (weighted according to participation in the program)
- A Fitbit or other exercise tracker
- Athletic Swag (running shoes / exercise clothes)