The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Northwest Outward Bound School partnership was established to build culturally relevant programs in Central Oregon for youth of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes. All participating tribal youth receive fully-funded scholarships, beginning with rafting courses on the Deschutes River, backpacking courses on tribal lands, and expanding to other programs of interest. In collaboration with leaders in the tribal community, this program creates tribal specific courses, incorporating significant aspects of the Warm Springs culture and history with Northwest Outward Bound School outdoor education and leadership skill development. The goal is to inspire youth to connect with tribal lands, ignite their interest in the outdoors, and create pathways to outdoor education, advocacy, and industry.
Thank you to all of the individuals, businesses, foundations, and community organizations that made this program possible! We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs on this important program. We look forward to strengthening and expanding our partnership!
Youth enjoy a fun activity that builds trust with staff and each other
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
NWOBS, community, and youth coming together
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Navigating rapids
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Rafting adventures
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Preparing for the backpacking course
Photo courtesy of Anne Morrison
Overlooking the land
Photo courtesy of Anne Morrison
Successful summit of Olallie Butte
Photo courtesy of Anne Morrison
Acosia Red Elk leading a community yoga session
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Preparing for the rafting course
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Learning rafting safety
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Learning how to keep gear dry on the river
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Rafting adventure on the horizon
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Dry bag packing
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Carrying a raft to the Deschutes River
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Jefferson Greene leading a song
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Preparing for outdoor adventures
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Leading youth and staff through community exercises
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Community building fun and games
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Enjoying the community gathering
Photo courtesy of Susanne Orton
Youth and staff build trust and communication through activities
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Natives Outdoors representatives present to the group
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
New groups and representatives are brought together at the community building day
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Youth and staff share in connection building games
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
At camp on the rafting course
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Rafting instruction
Photo courtesy of Colby Blue
Dr. Jinnell Lewis of St. Charles presents to the group
Photo courtesy of Susanne Orton
Warm Springs Tribal Council Member Wilson Wewa presents to the group
Photo courtesy of Susanne Orton
Impact
Over $80,000 raised through foundations and individual donors
Native youth specific backpacking and whitewater rafting courses on tribal lands
Cultural awareness training for Northwest Outward Bound School staff and instructors
Community and trust building activities for Warm Springs families and Northwest Outward Bound School staff
Continuing education and programming opportunities for youth to ignite interest in the outdoors and create pathways to outdoor education, advocacy, and industry
Corporate Sponsorships
BNSF Railway
Pacific Power
Treasury Wine Estates
Timberline
10 Barrel Brewing Company
Indian Head Casino
Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises
Central Oregon Land Watch
Central Oregon Visitors Association
Wanderlust Tours
Oregon Natural Desert Association
Columbia Bank, Madras
Karnopp Petersen LLP
Orrick
Papa Murphy's Redmond
Local Business Support
REI, Bend
New Basin Distillery Company
Cog Wild
Brother Jon's Public House
Creative Images of Life
Patagonia, Bend
Jill Rosell Photography
Pine Mountain Sports
Deschutes Brewery
Brown Owl Bend
Foundations
Collins Foundation
Autzen Foundation
Swigert Foundation
St. Charles Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation Donor Advised Funds
Special Thank You
Natives Outdoors
Oregon State University - Cascades
Warm Springs Horse Network
'Nchi Wanapum Canoe Family
Museum at Warm Springs
Peaceful Spirit Creations/Starla Green Catering
Acosia Red Elk
Jefferson Greene
Jane Waite
University of Oregon Native American Student Union