Our Work
Empowering Indigenous Youth, Preserving Culture, Building Futures
At the Alliance for Indigenous Children, our work centers around arts, culture, and education as tools for transformation. We create safe spaces where Indigenous youth can explore their creativity, connect with their heritage, and gain skills for a brighter future. From art workshops and cultural preservation programs to mentorship and leadership training, our initiatives help children build confidence, embrace their identity, and thrive within their communities and beyond.
01
Arts & Creativity Workshops
We believe creativity can transform lives. Our Arts & Creativity Workshops offer Indigenous youth a platform to paint, dance, sing, tell stories, and explore digital media. These programs help children build self-confidence, develop artistic skills, and express their unique voices. By blending traditional and modern forms of art, we inspire creativity while helping youth embrace both their heritage and the contemporary world.
02
Cultural Heritage Preservation
Our Cultural Heritage Preservation initiatives focus on protecting and celebrating Indigenous traditions. Through programs in language learning, traditional crafts, music, storytelling, and ceremonies, we help the younger generation reconnect with their roots. By passing down cultural knowledge, we ensure that Indigenous history, values, and practices remain alive, empowering children with a strong sense of identity and pride.
03
Youth Empowerment & Education
The Youth Empowerment & Education program equips Indigenous children with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. We provide scholarships, leadership training, life skills development, and mentorship programs that prepare them for success academically, socially, and professionally. By guiding youth toward brighter futures, we help them overcome barriers and achieve their dreams while becoming leaders in their communities.
Our Mission
Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Creativity, Culture, and Education
At the Alliance for Indigenous Children (AFIC), our mission is to empower, educate, and uplift Indigenous youth by creating opportunities for artistic expression, cultural preservation, and personal growth.
We strive to:
- Foster Creativity – Offering art, music, dance, and storytelling programs that help children find their voice and confidence.
- Preserve Heritage – Protecting and teaching Indigenous traditions, languages, and cultural practices.
- Build Brighter Futures – Providing mentorship, education, and life skills that prepare youth to overcome challenges and thrive.
We believe in the power of unity, diversity, and the transformative impact of the arts and culture to shape confident, resilient, and inspired future leaders.
About Us
Empowering Youth, Preserving Heritage, Shaping Brighter Futures
The Alliance for Indigenous Children (AFIC) is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to uplifting Indigenous youth through arts, culture, and education. Our mission is to create opportunities for children to express themselves creatively, reconnect with their heritage, and develop the skills they need to succeed.
We believe that creativity and cultural pride are powerful tools for transformation. By offering workshops, mentorship, and community programs, we nurture confidence, preserve Indigenous traditions, and build pathways toward a brighter, more inclusive future for every child we serve.
Our Vision
A Future Where Every Indigenous Child Thrives
At the Alliance for Indigenous Children (AFIC), we envision a world where every Indigenous child is free to dream, create, and succeed without barriers. Our vision is to build thriving communities where culture is celebrated, heritage is preserved, and every young voice is empowered to shape a better tomorrow.
We see a future where:
- Indigenous children grow with pride in their identity and traditions, carrying forward the rich cultural legacies of their ancestors.
- Youth have equal access to education, mentorship, and creative opportunities that spark their potential and open doors to brighter futures.
- Communities unite through arts, culture, and shared understanding, fostering diversity, resilience, and hope.
Through our programs in arts, cultural preservation, and education, we are working toward a world where Indigenous youth are not just supported, but celebrated as leaders, creators, and changemakers who inspire generations to come.
Why Choose Us
Because Every Child Deserves a Voice, a Heritage, and a Future
At the Alliance for Indigenous Children (AFIC), we are more than just a nonprofit — we are a movement for empowerment, preservation, and change. Here’s why communities, partners, and donors choose to stand with us:
We Empower Through Creativity
We believe every child has a story to tell and a talent to share. Through painting, music, dance, digital arts, and storytelling workshops, we give Indigenous youth a platform to express themselves, build confidence, and discover their potential. Creativity becomes a tool for self-expression, healing, and growth, helping children thrive academically and personally.
We Preserve Cultural Heritage
Our work ensures that Indigenous traditions, languages, and ancestral knowledge remain alive for future generations. Through cultural classes, traditional crafts, music, and storytelling events, we help youth reconnect with their roots and develop a deep sense of pride in their identity. Preserving heritage not only strengthens their connection to the past but also empowers them to carry it into the future.
We Build Brighter Futures
Beyond arts and culture, we prepare Indigenous youth for success by offering mentorship, scholarships, leadership training, and life skills education. These opportunities open doors to education and careers while equipping children with the confidence and tools to overcome challenges, break barriers, and lead their communities toward a stronger tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the mission of the Alliance for Indigenous Children?
Our mission is to empower, educate, and uplift Indigenous youth through arts, culture, and education, helping them preserve their heritage and build brighter futures.
2. Who do you serve?
We serve Indigenous children and youth, primarily in the Los Angeles area, providing programs that nurture creativity and cultural pride.
3. How can I get involved or volunteer?
You can join us by volunteering your time, skills, or resources. Visit our “Get Involved” page or contact us at info@afic.site to learn about current opportunities.
4. How can I donate to support your programs?
Donations can be made through our website via the “Donate” button. Your support helps us provide workshops, mentorship, and cultural programs for Indigenous youth.
5. Are your programs open to all Indigenous communities?
Yes, we welcome children from all Indigenous backgrounds and work to be inclusive and respectful of diverse traditions.
Why It Matters
Indigenous children face unique challenges—often including limited access to educational resources, cultural disconnection, and social barriers—that can hinder their growth and potential.
At the Alliance for Indigenous Children, we understand that arts, culture, and education are not just programs—they are lifelines. Through creative expression and cultural preservation, Indigenous youth gain a sense of identity, pride, and belonging, which are critical for their mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Our work helps break cycles of marginalization by:
- Empowering youth with confidence and skills that foster academic success and personal growth.
- Reconnecting children with their heritage, strengthening community ties and cultural continuity.
- Providing mentorship and education opportunities that open doors to brighter futures.
By supporting Indigenous children today, we are nurturing resilient leaders, artists, and changemakers of tomorrow — individuals who will carry forward their culture while shaping inclusive, vibrant communities for generations to come.
Our Values
Respect
We honor the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and histories with deep reverence. At the Alliance for Indigenous Children, respect means listening to the voices of Indigenous communities, valuing their experiences, and ensuring that every program and interaction is conducted with cultural sensitivity and dignity. We believe that true progress begins with honoring the past and the people who carry it forward.
Empowerment
Empowerment is at the heart of everything we do. We provide Indigenous youth with the tools, opportunities, and support to build confidence, express themselves creatively, and develop leadership skills. By fostering a strong sense of self-worth and resilience, we enable children to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and become agents of positive change within their communities.
Cultural Preservation
Preserving Indigenous heritage is vital for sustaining identity and community strength. Our programs focus on protecting and passing down traditional languages, arts, stories, and ceremonies. By connecting youth with their ancestral roots, we help ensure that the rich cultural legacies of Indigenous peoples endure, inspiring pride and continuity across generations.
Testimonials
Hear From Those Whose Lives We’ve Touched
At the Alliance for Indigenous Children, our greatest reward is seeing the positive impact on the youth and families we serve. These stories reflect the heartfelt experiences, growth, and inspiration brought about through our programs in arts, culture, and education. Their voices fuel our mission and motivate us every day to do more.
Parents share how our programs have given their children confidence, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to express themselves creatively in a safe and supportive environment. They witness firsthand the positive changes in self-esteem and academic motivation that come from reconnecting with cultural roots.
Karen Hammond
Parents
Youth participants speak proudly about rediscovering their heritage and identity through dance, music, storytelling, and traditional crafts. Many describe how these experiences have helped them overcome challenges, build friendships, and envision brighter futures.
Richard Cole
Youth participants
Volunteers and community leaders reflect on the impact of our programs in strengthening community bonds, preserving important traditions, and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Their stories highlight the deep connections formed and the shared commitment to cultural continuity and empowerment.
Shirley Bowen
Volunteers
Our Team
Passionate People Committed to Empowering Indigenous Youth
At the Alliance for Indigenous Children, our dedicated team brings together diverse skills, experiences, and a shared passion for uplifting Indigenous youth through arts, culture, and education. Each member plays a vital role in driving our mission forward and creating lasting impact.
Carolyn Robertson is a passionate advocate for Indigenous youth empowerment with years of experience in nonprofit leadership and cultural preservation. She leads AFIC with a vision to nurture creativity and heritage among the next generation.
Carolyn Robertson
Executive Director
Charles Smith builds strong partnerships with local communities, volunteers, and organizations to expand AFIC’s reach and resources. His focus is on fostering collaboration and support for Indigenous youth initiatives.
Charles Smith
Community Outreach Manager
Wanda Wolf oversees the design and implementation of our arts and cultural programs, ensuring they are inclusive, impactful, and engaging for youth from diverse Indigenous backgrounds.
Wanda Wolf
Program Coordinator
Robert Cook brings deep cultural knowledge and experience as an Indigenous educator. She mentors youth, leads traditional arts workshops, and helps preserve ancestral teachings within our programs.
Robert Cook
Youth Mentor & Cultural Educator
Nurturing Creativity, Preserving Heritage, Building Futures
At the Alliance for Indigenous Children, we believe every child deserves the chance to embrace their culture, express their unique creativity, and pursue a brighter tomorrow. Through our commitment to arts, culture, and education, we empower Indigenous youth to become confident leaders and proud keepers of their traditions.
“Your Support Sparks Change”
With your help, we continue to nurture creativity, preserve cultural legacies, and open doors for the next generation to thrive. Together, we can build a future where Indigenous children flourish with pride, hope, and opportunity.