Tobacco Warrior Summit (TWS):
The MAITES group collaborates to host a summer summit for ages 13-17 for American Indian youth across Montana. The Summit provides cultural teachings, commercial tobacco prevention education, leadership skills, inter-tribal connections, and more. Usually occurring the third week in June.
Since 2011, there have been 14 Tobacco Warrior Summits, reaching over 1,000 American Indian youth in Montana.
Testimonies from TWS:
“I really like the traditional games and braiding sweet grass”
“I liked being at the powwow grounds, It was nice to see, and also nice to see the lands over here in Hays.”
“I learned ways to find myself and how to achieve the best I can be”
“No matter how scared you are of something. Do it. Trust me its worth while.”
“I liked learning about different cultures from different Tribes.”
“I learned more about self-respect.”