How Native Youth Can Combine Cultural Pride with Financial Success

For youth nowadays, embracing your cultural identity and achieving financial success are not mutually exclusive goals. In fact, they can complement and strengthen each other. Your cultural heritage provides a rich foundation of values, resilience, and community support that can guide you on your path to financial well-being. This article explores how Native youth can combine cultural pride with financial success, creating a future that honors their traditions and empowers them to thrive.

1. Connect with Your Heritage

Embrace Your Identity: Your cultural background is a source of strength and inspiration. Learn about your tribe's history, traditions, and values. Participate in cultural events, connect with elders, and embrace your unique identity.

Draw Inspiration from Your Ancestors: Native American history is filled with stories of resilience, innovation, and community strength. Draw inspiration from your ancestors and their ability to overcome challenges and build thriving communities.

2. Set Goals that Align with Your Values

Define Your Dreams: What are your aspirations for the future? Do you want to pursue higher education, start a business, contribute to your community, or preserve your cultural heritage?

Connect to Your Values: Consider how your financial goals can align with your cultural values. For example, you might pursue a career that benefits your tribe or invest in businesses that support sustainable practices.

3. Develop Essential Financial Skills

Financial Literacy: Learn the basics of budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. NFDC offers financial education programs tailored to the needs of Native American youth.

Seek Mentorship: Connect with mentors who can provide guidance and support on your financial journey. Many tribal communities have elders or professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and experience.

4. Leverage Community Resources

Tribal Programs: Explore financial assistance programs, scholarships, and educational opportunities offered by your tribe or tribal organizations.

Community Support: Build a strong network of support within your community. Participate in cultural events, volunteer your time, and connect with others who share your values.

5. Embrace Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Cultural Entrepreneurship: Consider starting a business that draws upon your cultural heritage, such as creating traditional arts and crafts, offering cultural tourism experiences, or developing sustainable agricultural practices.

Innovation: Embrace innovation and technology to create new opportunities for economic development and cultural preservation within your community.