Language & Culture

AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers, known as our Young Elder Mentors, have served as mentors, cultural teachers and role models for Indigenous youth throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Through their wisdom, lived experiences and cultural teachings, they have strengthened connections across generations while inspiring youth to embrace their identities, cultures and communities. We thank them for their service and look forward to more great work!

The Phoenix Indian Center is recruiting Young Elders (ages 55+) from across the Phoenix Metro area to share their wisdom, lived experience, cultural knowledge, traditional teachings, and mentorship with local Indigenous youth. Young Elders play an important role in strengthening intergenerational relationships, preserving cultural traditions, and helping Native youth build a stronger connection to their identity, culture, and community.

Through the program, Young Elders may participate in cultural workshops, storytelling, language revitalization efforts, community events, and mentorship opportunities that support the well-being and growth of Indigenous youth.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the AmeriCorps Young Elder Program, applicants must:

1. Be 55 years of age or older
2. Participate in an interview with program staff
3. Successfully pass a criminal background check.
4. Commit to serving a minimum of 10 hours per month

Click here to complete an application online, or submit the attached application form.

If you are interested in sharing your knowledge, experiences, and teachings with the next generation, we encourage you to apply and become part of this meaningful intergenerational initiative.

For additional information, please contact the Phoenix Indian Center.

Young Elder convenings are back! These special gatherings are an opportunity to learn more about the Young Elder Program, connect with elder community members, and recruit new elder mentors ages 55 and older.

Whether you’re already involved or interested in learning more, we’d love to have you join us!

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 10:30AM – 1:00PM
Location: Phoenix Indian Center Multi-Purpose Room
Eligibility: Senior ages 55 and older

Click here to register today!

Please Note: Only one registration per person.
Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

Elder Gatherings will resume in August 2026. For more information on Elder programming contact the Language & Culture team at languageculture@phxindcenter.org 602-264-6768.

This program is available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, genetic information (including family medical history), military service, or their submission of a complaint. Compliance information and/or history can be requested from Elicia Goodsoldier, Language and Culture Manager at egoodsoldier@phxindcenter.org or by calling 602-264-6768.

Service members, volunteers, employees, and applicants for Federal employment who wish to file a discrimination complaint may do so by sending an email message to eo@AmeriCorps.gov or by leaving a voice message on the Civil Rights Hotline at 1-202-606-3461. Calls to the hotline will be returned within 24 hours.

You can learn more information at: https://americorps.gov/about/agency-overview/civil-rights

Cultural Awareness

1. Overview 22 tribes in AZ
2. Discuss appropriate terminology
3. Local, state and national data, information and statistics
4. Cultural considerations and values
5. Appreciation vs. Appropriation
6. Historical and intergenerational trauma and risks
7. Role and impact of mainstream media
8. Discuss cultural identity (Urban vs Rural Considerations)
9. Explore cultural resiliency and strategies

Historical and Intergenerational Trauma

1. Understanding Trauma-Informed care
2. Communities Impacted by Historical Trauma
3. Impacts of Federal Indian Policy
4. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s)
5. Cultural Resiliency
6. Strategies for Support

We offer 1 hour, 2 hour or 3-hour presentations based on requestors’ need.

To best gauge your trainings needs, we request that you fill out the following form with as much information as possible. We will contact you within 48 hours to schedule a follow-up meeting. Requests must be made no less than 3 weeks prior to your requested date with the exception of November dates. We receive many requests for training conducted in November which is designated as American Indian Heritage Month therefore, we are requesting no less than 6 weeks advance notice.

To request a training session, click here 

For more information, you may contact:

Elicia Goodsoldier, Language and Culture Program Manager

egoodsoldier@phxindcenter.org or LanguageCulture@phxindcenter.org

Phoenix Indian Center: (602) 264-6768 ext. 118

Boys With Braids

The significance of having long hair is sacred amongst all American Indians. It connects us to our cultural identity, our spirituality and our ancestors. While all tribes are different and have varying stories and traditions about what having long hair signifies, they have teachings and a cultural connection. Long hair promotes self-esteem, self-respect, and pride. Long hair is a form of self expression that reinforces a connection to one’s family, tribe, community and traditions. Click here to download the Boys with Braids resource sheet for teachers.