Grantee: Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Creating a safe inviting space for teenagers is critical to self-discovery, developing confidence, and creating a sense of belonging. Indigenous youth in the Grand Portage community have had limited options to engage and socialize in such a space.

The Grant Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa knows too well the effects of negative influences and too much unsupervised time for young teens. In order to help kids find a positive path forward, the Band members created the Grand Portage Teen Center in 2021 to connect teens to their culture and elders.

Local youth now have a safe place to relax, develop healthy relationships with peers and adults, and engage in fun teenage activities.

The encouraging presence of the Teen Center staff help kids rekindle cultural curiosity in traditional drumming and will continue to foster positive programming for generations to come.