Built for
Native youth

Native youth face one of the most urgent mental health crises in the country. SMCYP is answering that call with a new model of support that's rooted in culture, led by community, and built to last.

Building on decades of leadership supporting Native youth

$

13,000,000+

Invested in Native youth programs

$

13,000,000+

Invested in Native youth programs

500,000+

Native youth reached since day one

500,000+

Native youth reached since day one

500+

Tribal communities supported

500+

Tribal communities supported

30+

Years advancing Native youth opportunity

30+

Years advancing Native youth opportunity

$

13,000,000+

Invested in Native youth programs

500+

Tribal communities supported

500,000+

Native youth reached since day one

30+

Years advancing Native youth opportunity

Young athletes stacking their fists together in a team huddle under a blue sky

Meeting the moment for native youth

The Sam McCracken Youth Project (SMCYP) is a Native-led nonprofit advancing the mental, physical, and cultural wellness of Native youth. Founded by Sam McCracken (Fort Peck Sioux & Assiniboine), it builds on decades of leadership connecting sport, culture, and community. In response to the Native youth mental health crisis, SMCYP activates programs and partnerships that strengthen youth and communities. Built on trust and relationships, the work exists to help Native youth thrive.

Three pillars of wellness

Physical

Encouraging lifelong health through sport, movement, and outdoor activities.

Mental

Building confidence and resilience through culture, mentorship, and community support.

Cultural

Empowering youth through identity, creativity, and leadership rooted in tradition.

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Upcoming events

University of Montana Youth Summit

How we work

Youth Summits & Community Activations

Summits, sports camps, and cultural leadership experiences that build belonging and positive identity.

Youth Summits & Community Activations

Summits, sports camps, and cultural leadership experiences that build belonging and positive identity.

Community Capacity Building

Training and toolkits that strengthen youth infrastructure Tribal communities own and sustain.

Community Capacity Building

Training and toolkits that strengthen youth infrastructure Tribal communities own and sustain.

Policy & Advocacy

Bringing Native youth voices into the policy decisions that shape their futures.

Policy & Advocacy

Bringing Native youth voices into the policy decisions that shape their futures.

Experts & Strategic Partnerships

Advising philanthropy, institutions, and partners on culturally responsive youth investment.

Experts & Strategic Partnerships

Advising philanthropy, institutions, and partners on culturally responsive youth investment.

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Invest in Native Youth

Your support helps Native youth thrive in mind, body, and spirit through programs rooted in culture, sport, and community leadership.

Contribute

Invest in Native Youth

Your support helps Native youth thrive in mind, body, and spirit through programs rooted in culture, sport, and community leadership.

Contribute

Invest in Native Youth

Your support helps Native youth thrive in mind, body, and spirit through programs rooted in culture, sport, and community leadership.

Contribute