Cultural Survival has officially unveiled its 2026 cohort of Indigenous Youth Fellows, marking a significant expansion of its influential Capacity Building Program. This prestigious fellowship is dedicated to nurturing and supporting Indigenous leaders aged 18 to 28 who are committed to the vital work of strengthening their communities. The program empowers these young individuals to elevate, defend, and revitalize their cultures and Traditional Knowledge systems, while simultaneously building crucial skills in leadership, organization, and project management. Since its inception in 2018, the fellowship has successfully awarded 157 fellowships, providing essential support to over 368 Indigenous youth across the globe.
The 2026 cohort comprises 30 emerging leaders hailing from diverse corners of the world. This announcement specifically highlights the impactful work of 15 fellows based in Africa and Asia, offering a glimpse into their personal journeys and the community-driven initiatives they are spearheading. Collectively, the 30 fellowship projects address a broad spectrum of critical issues, including the escalating challenges of climate change, the imperative of food sovereignty, the ongoing processes of decolonization, the urgent need for language revitalization, the fundamental protection of ancestral lands, the strategic use of media and storytelling, the expressive power of the arts, and the vital reclamation of ancestral traditions. The selection process for this year’s cohort involved a rigorous evaluation of project proposals that demonstrated clear community benefit, innovative approaches, and a strong commitment to Indigenous self-determination.
Indigenous youth are increasingly recognized as pivotal agents of change, possessing unique perspectives and invaluable knowledge essential for the continuity and vibrancy of their cultures. Their leadership is not merely beneficial; it is fundamental to carrying forward ancestral wisdom and ensuring the enduring strength of Indigenous societies. This fellowship program serves as a critical platform, celebrating the talent, creativity, and unwavering dedication of these young leaders as they navigate complex challenges and forge pathways toward a more equitable and sustainable future. The expansion of the program to include a larger cohort reflects a growing recognition of the critical role Indigenous youth play in addressing global challenges from a grounded, traditional perspective.
Asia: Voices of Resilience and Revitalization
The fellowship cohort shines a spotlight on remarkable young leaders from Asia, whose projects are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and community needs.
Flaviona Gabriel Sirumba Pasorong (Toraya), Indonesia is dedicated to the critical areas of Indigenous Land Rights, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), and Environmental Justice. Hailing from the Pali community in the Bittuang District of Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, Flaviona is actively engaged in safeguarding her ancestral lands from the pervasive threats of environmental degradation, exploitative natural resource extraction, and disruptive development projects. As a board member of the Indigenous Youth of Toraya, she collaborates with her team to foster awareness and mobilize collective action across four Indigenous communities in Bittuang District: Pali, Balla, Bittuang, and Se’seng. Their crucial work empowers communities to understand the environmental repercussions of extractive and energy projects, while simultaneously bolstering the Indigenous movement’s efforts to defend ancestral territories from land grabbing.
Through Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Youth Fellowship Program, Flaviona and her team are implementing an initiative titled "Raising Awareness and Organizing Indigenous Communities to Face Geothermal Energy." This project is designed to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous communities to resist geothermal development that proceeds without their Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. The project will facilitate community-led activities aimed at raising awareness about the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the potential impacts of geothermal exploitation on land, culture, livelihoods, water sources, and the long-term well-being of Indigenous communities. Furthermore, it will foster community organizing through Indigenous assemblies, establishing safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue, collective decision-making, and the strengthening of grassroots movements. The historical context of resource exploitation in Indonesia underscores the urgency of Flaviona’s work, as many Indigenous communities have faced displacement and environmental damage due to large-scale industrial projects.
Anisha Buda (Kaike Magar), Nepal, is focused on Indigenous Women’s Rights and Climate Justice. Anisha is a program officer at the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) in Nepal, where she champions initiatives addressing the social, cultural, and environmental rights of Indigenous and marginalized women and girls. Her work artfully integrates climate justice, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, capacity building, and the economic empowerment of women and girls. Beyond her role at NIWF, Anisha is an interim committee member of the International Indigenous-Led Fire Adaptation Network under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. She is an active member of the Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders, where she amplifies the challenges faced by Indigenous environmental defenders in Nepal. Anisha also serves on the Secretariat Committee at Indigenous Peoples and Community Conserved Areas – ICCA Network Nepal, focusing on biocultural conservation projects from an Indigenous youth perspective. Her academic contributions include presenting a paper titled "Rungma, a Ritual of Reinforcing Ecological Awareness: A Case of Tarali Magars in Dolpa District" at a youth conference organized by ICCA Network Nepal.
Through the Indigenous Youth Fellowship Program, Anisha will implement a project titled "Climate Week New York City 2026." This initiative will support her participation in Climate Week NYC, providing a platform to document and share the perspectives of an Indigenous youth engaged in climate change advocacy at local and national levels in Nepal. Her aim is to bring lived experiences, invaluable traditional knowledge, and emergent leadership into global climate change conversations, highlighting the unique impacts on Indigenous communities. The global climate crisis disproportionately affects Indigenous Peoples, who are often on the frontlines of environmental change, making Anisha’s participation crucial for a more inclusive and effective global response.
Sucia Lisdamara Yulmanda Taufik (Kasepuhan Bayah), Indonesia, is concentrating on Natural Disaster Preparedness Education. Based in Lebak Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia, Sucia is deeply connected to her culture, ancestral traditions, and local wisdom, which fuel her commitment to protecting Indigenous knowledge systems and community autonomy. Since 2021, she has been an active participant in Barisan Pemuda Adat Nusantara, an Indigenous youth organization dedicated to defending customary territories, strengthening Indigenous youth leadership, and ensuring meaningful participation in decision-making processes related to Indigenous land rights and governance. She also facilitates Indigenous education at Sekolah Adat Banten Kidul, where she supports community-based learning rooted in Indigenous language, culture, and values. Her work is driven by a profound concern over the accelerating loss of Traditional Knowledge, exacerbated by environmental degradation and the pervasive influence of extractive industries and large-scale corporate projects.
Sucia will implement a project titled "Indigenous School for Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening Local Knowledge in Facing Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Kasepuhan Bayah." This project aims to integrate Indigenous knowledge of natural signs and traditional practices into disaster preparedness education, ensuring that local wisdom is woven into both formal and informal learning processes. Employing a participatory approach, the project will develop community-based disaster risk maps to enhance traditional evacuation routes. It also seeks to preserve ancestral narratives concerning earthquakes and tsunamis, transforming them into valuable intergenerational learning resources. Furthermore, the initiative will build the capacity of Indigenous youth to serve as key facilitators in disaster education and preparedness simulations within their communities. Indonesia’s geographical location makes it highly susceptible to natural disasters, underscoring the critical need for integrating traditional knowledge into modern disaster management strategies.
Ashim Maharjan (Newa), Nepal, is focused on Land Rights and Sustainable Livelihoods. From Khokana, Nepal, Ashim holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sociology. His academic and professional interests converge on youth and women’s livelihoods, land rights, and community resilience, with a strong emphasis on participatory and culturally grounded development approaches. Ashim works as a researcher with the Community Empowerment and Social Justice Network, where he conducts field research, facilitates community consultations, collects data, documents findings, and prepares reports on social and development issues in close collaboration with local communities and civil society organizations. He has also participated in the International Citizen Service program, contributing to community engagement, cross-cultural collaboration, and community-led development initiatives. Ashim actively engages in cultural preservation through music as a member of Shreekali, a Newa cultural music group, promoting Newa language, music, and cultural identity through performances and cultural programs, using art as a tool for youth engagement, intergenerational learning, and community cohesion.
Ashim will implement the project, "Promoting Land Rights and Traditional Livelihoods in a Fast Track Expressway and Other Infrastructure Projects Affecting Indigenous Newa Communities in Khokana in the South of Kathmandu." This initiative seeks to strengthen food security, preserve cultural heritage, and foster resilient economic opportunities by combining Traditional Knowledge with community-based initiatives. The project aims to counter the impact of infrastructure projects imposed on Newa lands. The rapid urbanization and infrastructure development around Kathmandu have placed significant pressure on Indigenous lands and traditional livelihoods, making Ashim’s project a vital intervention for cultural and economic survival.
Africa: Guardians of Heritage and Stewards of the Environment
The African contingent of fellows showcases a profound commitment to preserving cultural heritage, advocating for rights, and addressing the immediate impacts of climate change.
Jayden Cloete (Nama Khoi), South Africa, is exploring Indigenous Knowledge, Land Protection, and the complex issues surrounding Transitional Minerals. As a theater practitioner and cultural activist from South Africa, Jayden is an active member of Nama Khoi Productions, a theater collective dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights, language, and cultural heritage of the Nama Khoi community through artistic expression. For Jayden, theater transcends mere performance; it serves as a powerful medium for memory, resistance, education, and a vital space where Indigenous voices can challenge injustice. His work utilizes theater for cultural preservation, social awareness, and community dialogue. He has contributed to several activist-driven productions, including "Naeb/Naelstring" (2025), "Ons Gister Dans" (2024), "Dwaling/Ihare mââ€" (2024), and "Bosveld Klong" (2024).
As part of his fellowship, Jayden is implementing a project titled "What Remains?" This initiative critically investigates the environmental, social, and cultural impacts of lithium and mineral sand extraction on Indigenous lands. The project poses fundamental and urgent questions: What endures of the land when extraction irrevocably reshapes it? What remains of culture when ancestral territories are subjected to immense pressure? What endures of identity when communities are compelled to bear the costs of global demand for transitional minerals? The growing global demand for minerals essential for renewable energy technologies presents a new frontier of challenges for Indigenous communities, who often face land dispossession and environmental harm without adequate consultation or benefit-sharing. Jayden’s project directly confronts these emerging threats.
Tebogo Sendelinah Xhao (Ju/’hoansi), Botswana, is dedicated to Indigenous Language Preservation and Intergenerational Knowledge Transmission. Tebogo is a youth leader from Botswana deeply committed to safeguarding her mother tongue from extinction and exploitation, ensuring that the Ju/’hoansi language, culture, and identity continue to thrive for future generations. Her work centers on Indigenous language revitalization, cultural heritage preservation, intergenerational knowledge transmission, and advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ rights to protect and celebrate their own knowledge systems. Through learning from Elders, engaging with linguistic resources, and connecting with organizations focused on language revitalization, Tebogo has cultivated a profound understanding of both the challenges confronting the Ju/’hoansi language and the inherent strength within her community to lead its own solutions.
Through the Indigenous Youth Fellowship, she will implement a project titled "Ju/’hoansi Language Immersion Project." This initiative aims to document, preserve, and celebrate the unique cultural heritage of the Ju/’hoansi people. The project will establish dedicated spaces for language learning, oral history sharing, and intergenerational knowledge transmission among Elders, youth, and community members. The Ju/’hoansi language, like many Indigenous languages globally, faces immense pressure from dominant languages and cultural assimilation, making Tebogo’s efforts crucial for cultural survival.
Cynthia Nurse Shadi Soso (San), Botswana, is focused on Indigenous Knowledge Revitalization and Community Development. Cynthia, a dedicated student at the University of Botswana pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Lifelong Learning and Community Development, is an active member of the San Youth Network. Her journey is propelled by a strong commitment to inclusive education, social justice, the preservation of Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable community empowerment. She possesses a keen interest in designing and implementing community-based interventions that address participatory development, social inequalities, Indigenous methodologies, and support for vulnerable populations in Botswana. Her academic pursuits have equipped her with knowledge and skills in adult education, participatory development, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement. Her academic work has specifically focused on empowering marginalized groups, with particular attention to peacebuilding and substance abuse prevention. She firmly believes that education is a transformative tool capable of empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and fostering social cohesion.
During the fellowship, Cynthia will implement a project aimed at revitalizing and strengthening the use of the Naro language and cultural knowledge among Naro youth in Botswana, particularly in the village of D’Kar, where Naro language use is experiencing a rapid decline. Through intergenerational learning, storytelling, and cultural mentorship, the project seeks to re-establish connections between young San people and their mother tongue, oral traditions, and cultural identity. The decline of Indigenous languages is a global phenomenon, often linked to historical marginalization and assimilationist policies, and Cynthia’s project directly addresses this critical issue within the San community.
Samuel Stanley (San), Botswana, is championing Climate Change Awareness and Adaptation. Samuel is an Indigenous youth leader, motivational speaker, climate advocate, and legal professional from Chobokwane Village in the Ghanzi District of Botswana. As a proud member of the San community, Samuel is dedicated to advancing Indigenous rights, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, and community development. He is a member of the International Indigenous-led Fire Adaptation Network committee under The Food and Agriculture Organization and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Botswana, a certificate in Paralegal Studies from the Dollar Orman Institute in Cape Town, South Africa, and a certificate in Rock Art Site Documentation from the University of Namibia. His academic and professional trajectory reflects a deep commitment to legal empowerment, social justice, Indigenous knowledge, and the protection of cultural heritage. He currently serves as the African Focal Point of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus, where he facilitates Indigenous youth engagement across Africa and advocates for Indigenous rights, food systems transformation, climate action, and sustainable development in international policy arenas.
As a fellow, Samuel will implement the project "Indigenous Climate Voices: Raising Climate Change Awareness and Revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge among Youth in Ghanzi District, Botswana." The project’s objectives include increasing climate change awareness among Indigenous youth and community members, while simultaneously promoting San Indigenous knowledge as a valuable resource for climate adaptation and resilience. The San people, who have traditionally lived in close harmony with the environment, possess deep ecological knowledge that is crucial for adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like the Kalahari.
Gofaone Tsaae (Ju/’hoansi), Botswana, is focusing on Indigenous Knowledge Transfer and Intergenerational Dialogue. Gofaone is a youth leader, cultural advocate, and community organizer from Qangwa, Botswana. Passionately dedicated to preserving Indigenous knowledge systems, he is committed to protecting and promoting the cultural heritage, identity, and Traditional Knowledge of the Ju/’hoansi people.
Through this fellowship, Gofaone is implementing a project titled "Indigenous Knowledge Systems." The project’s core focus is on supporting the transfer of knowledge from Knowledge Keepers to youth and children, thereby ensuring that Ju/’hoansi cultural practices, oral histories, environmental knowledge, and traditional skills are effectively passed down to future generations. The project will involve documenting oral histories, environmental knowledge, traditional tracking skills, and cultural practices through interviews with Elders and digital archiving. By creating dedicated spaces for dialogue and knowledge exchange between youth and Elders, the project aims to strengthen cultural identity, bridge generational gaps, and promote vital intergenerational learning. The transmission of traditional knowledge is fundamental to the cultural continuity and adaptive capacity of Indigenous communities facing rapid environmental and social change.
Zandry Gaai (Khoikhoi), South Africa, is engaged in Traditional Ecology, Climate Change Knowledge, and the critical issue of Transitional Minerals. Zandry, an Inqua Khoikhoi from the Eastern Cape, the ancestral homeland of Sarah Baartman, grounds their work in a personal and collective journey of healing, reclaiming an erased Khoikhoi identity, the nam (tongue) of their aboxan (ancestors), and Khoikhoi stories of khaima (resistance). Gaai is passionate about using storytelling as a tool to raise awareness of Khoikhoi presence across South Africa and to support other Khoikhoi youth navigating questions of identity, belonging, and cultural loss.
Gaai will implement a project titled "The Khoikhoi Eco-Memory Project." This initiative aims to empower Khoikhoi youth to document and share Traditional Ecological Knowledge passed down by Elders, with a particular emphasis on water systems, ancestral grazing cycles, plants and natural medicines, and drought indicators, especially within the Karoo region, known for its arid climate. The project will produce a bilingual Khoikhoi and English booklet, a public mural mapping ancestral knowledge of the land, and a series of intergenerational climate workshops. This endeavor seeks to bolster climate resilience, cultural pride, and language preservation within Inqua Khoikhoi First Nation communities in the Eastern Cape. The project will also address issues related to transitional minerals by conducting interviews with Khoikhoi Elders, land defenders, and activists in the Eastern Cape. These conversations will explore Indigenous perspectives and alternative approaches to transitional minerals, generating crucial knowledge for community education and advocacy efforts in legal and policy arenas. The impact of mining, including for transitional minerals, on Indigenous lands and water resources is a growing concern, and Zandry’s project provides a vital Indigenous-led perspective.
Nana Faizatou Ibrahim (Mbororo), Cameroon, is dedicated to Indigenous Girls Empowerment, Climate Change Awareness, and Advocacy. Nana, from the Fulani pastoralist community of Cameroon, developed a profound appreciation for Traditional Ecological Knowledge, traditional medicine, and biodiversity conservation during her upbringing. As a communication volunteer with the REPALEAC Youth Women’s Movement, she has contributed to community-based initiatives focused on gender equality, health education, and climate resilience. Her work encompasses community sensitization on sustainable resource use, advocacy for reproductive rights, and fostering dialogue between traditional healers and health professionals. She has also participated in national and regional trainings on Indigenous rights, biodiversity policy, and youth leadership. Nana is currently developing a community-centered initiative to document Mbororo women’s ecological knowledge, with the goal of preserving plant biodiversity and transmitting this knowledge to younger generations.
Nana’s project, "Indigenous Mbororo Girls Building Resilience for Climate Action," aims to equip Mbororo girls with the knowledge and practical tools to become effective climate change advocates and solution providers within their pastoralist communities. The project seeks to increase awareness on climate resilience, promote sustainable environmental practices, and foster leadership among Mbororo girls, empowering them to spearhead grassroots environmental actions. Pastoralist communities, like the Mbororo, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their reliance on natural resources for their livelihoods, making Nana’s work exceptionally relevant.
Carine Bahati (Pygmy Batwa), Democratic Republic of Congo, is engaged in Land Defense and Traditional Knowledge. Carine, from South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, became an activist after her community was displaced from their ancestral lands within Kahuzi-Biega National Park. As the co-founder and coordinator of Indigenous Girls Advocacy, she is committed to empowering Indigenous girls, combating food insecurity, and preserving Traditional Knowledge. Her mission prioritizes bridging the gap between Elders and youth to safeguard ancestral medicinal and culinary practices, recognizing these traditions as fundamental to the community’s health, food security, and dignity.
Carine will implement a project called "Promoting Batwa Traditional Knowledge for Food Security and Community Health in Shabunda." She intends to establish community gardens where young people will learn to cultivate local food and medicinal plants, receiving invaluable knowledge from Elders and traditional healers. This project also aims to restore cultural pride and strengthen intergenerational ties, ensuring that young people become the guardians and innovators of their ancestral heritage, working towards a sustainable future for their people. The displacement of Indigenous communities from their ancestral lands, a recurring issue globally, has profound impacts on their food security and cultural practices, making Carine’s project a critical intervention.
Mommon Makko (Maasai), Tanzania, is focused on Climate Change and Land Restoration. Mommon is an environmentalist specializing in dryland agriculture and rangeland restoration. Currently serving as project coordinator for the Nyangulo Environmental Conservation Alliance in Northern Tanzania, he brings over five years of leadership experience to his role. His work is centered on evidence-based, community-driven solutions to address desertification and climate change.
Mommon will implement a project titled "Restoration of Degraded Rangelands in Northern Tanzania." The primary objective is to rehabilitate degraded lands through community-led conservation and sustainable land management practices. By promoting sustainable grazing, reforestation, and soil restoration, the project aims to enhance ecosystem resilience and improve the livelihoods of pastoralist communities, with a specific focus on empowering women and youth. The Maasai people, as traditional pastoralists, are acutely aware of the impacts of land degradation and climate change on their traditional way of life.
Louivenzia Komases (Nama), Namibia, works at the intersection of youth leadership, civic engagement, and public management. Trained in political science and international relations, her work is informed by both academic governance frameworks and the lived realities of marginalized rural and Indigenous communities. Her professional experience includes policy-oriented research on media integrity and democratic participation with the Institute for Public Policy Research, where she contributed to work addressing misinformation and democratic accountability. She has also held advisory and coordinating roles within the Nama Traditional Leaders Association Youth Forum, engaging directly with Indigenous governance structures, intergenerational dialogue, and community-based advocacy.
Louivenzia’s fellowship project, "Indigenous Economies for Resilient Futures: Youth Training in Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Livelihoods," focuses on the practical revitalization of Indigenous economies as a pathway to youth resilience and self-determination. The project equips Indigenous youth with hands-on skills to transform ancestral knowledge, land-based practices, and cultural resources into sustainable social enterprises. Emphasis is placed on value addition rooted in Nama relationships to land, environmentally responsible resource use, and culturally grounded economic models. By linking remembrance, land stewardship, and livelihood creation, Louivenzia’s work seeks to ensure that Indigenous youth are not only custodians of memory but also active agents shaping resilient, dignified, and self-determined futures for their communities. Revitalizing Indigenous economies is a critical strategy for Indigenous communities seeking to achieve economic independence and cultural preservation in the face of global economic pressures.
Evesty Afrikaner (Nama), Namibia, is a cultural preservationist from the Kai||khaun (ÇAes), also known as the Red Nation. Her work is centered on the protection and revitalization of the Nama language, history, and cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on intergenerational knowledge transfer and community-based cultural education. She has contributed to youth development through her involvement with the Hoachanas Children’s Fund, where she supported initiatives aimed at mentoring and empowering Nama children within culturally-grounded learning environments. Her work reflects a consistent commitment to sustaining Indigenous identity through early education and community engagement.
Through her participation in the Indigenous Youth Fellowship, Evesty is launching a project titled "Nama Youth Voices: Reclaiming Our Heritage, Shaping Our Future Tour." This initiative is designed to empower young people across all 13 Nama clans by deepening their understanding of Indigenous rights, ancestral heritage, and pathways for socio-economic growth. By strengthening these foundations, the project seeks to cultivate active leadership in community-led development and promote transparent, accountable governance within the NTLA Youth Forum. The Nama people have a rich history and cultural legacy, and Evesty’s project is vital for ensuring this heritage is passed on and continues to inform their future development.
A Global Movement of Empowered Youth
The Cultural Survival Indigenous Youth Fellowship Program represents a vital investment in the future of Indigenous communities worldwide. By providing resources, training, and a global platform, the program empowers young Indigenous leaders to address pressing contemporary challenges while drawing strength from their ancestral heritage. The diversity of projects undertaken by the 2026 cohort—ranging from land rights advocacy and climate action to language revitalization and cultural preservation—underscores the multifaceted nature of Indigenous struggles and aspirations. As these fellows embark on their year-long journeys, their work promises to yield tangible benefits for their communities and contribute significantly to the broader global discourse on Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, and cultural diversity. The sustained success and expansion of this program serve as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and indispensable leadership of Indigenous youth on the global stage.
