Summer Youth Internship 2026

Program Description

The Summer Youth Internship Program will give you the opportunity to explore unique learning experiences and obtain valuable skills, as well as deepen your connection to the land and to Coeur d’Alene Tribal history. During this summer, no matter which activity track you are assigned to, you will get the opportunity to learn about the history of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, including specific events that impacted the Coeur d’Alene people, land and water.

This year we will return to the creation of the reservation and understanding how this was the beginning of Tribal land loss. This loss continued with the Allotment and Homestead Acts and you will learn how these events impacted the people, land and water. Moving forward through history, you will learn about the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA), land acquisition, and the restoration of Tribal lands. Through this, and multiple land-based learning experiences we hope that you will develop an understanding of how events in the past continue to affect the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, its people, land, and water. Through this understanding and knowledge of the past, and through physical and spiritual connection to places, we want you to look at the present and beyond to see where you will play an important role in shaping the future of the reservation communities and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Summer Youth 2026: Intern Placements

As in previous years student placements will be based upon their application, cover letter, resume, and interview. This year we offer activity tracks in:

• Photography: Students will learn how to use a digital SLR camera to take photographs in a variety of genres (e.g. landscape, close-up, studio), expressing the impact of what they learn through their photos. 
• Forests, Plants & Wildlife: Students will explore how forests, plants, wildlife, and water systems were impacted by land loss, which Tribal leaders faced these challenges, and how Tribal land restoration work connects to the future.
• Leadership in Action: History, Land & Teamwork: Students will explore leadership as practiced within the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, blending historical analysis, cultural knowledge, self-awareness, and applied skill-building to support their growth as thoughtful, ethical, and community-minded leaders.
• Voices Through Time: Students will create documentary-style oral stories about Tribal leaders through time and the challenges these leaders faced during land loss and the establishment of Tribal government.
• Indigenous Art: Students will explore the impact of land loss on the people, land and water, and how tribal leaders navigated through these challenges. Students will express the impact of their learning through various media.

This year, all applicant placements will be based upon their application, cover letter, resume and interview.