IIYC Chicago

The International Indigenous Youth Council (IIYC) is a youth-led organization aiming to empower indigenous youth to become leaders in their community. IIYC was formed in response to the call from youth at Sacred Stone Camp in resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Chicago has created an IIYC chapter currently dedicated to support Native youth in halting the construction of DAPL as well as to identify the issues inner-city youth of color face in regards to environmental racism.

"No DAPL," pen and ink, artist: Vanessa A. Sanchez

We are youth from all nations, tribes, and races. We follow in the tradition of our ancestors from the Chicago Civil Rights movement and the American Indian movement. We believe in coming together nationally and internationally to form a solidarity movement that builds people power.

Danzantes Mexica praying with Standing Rock

We rise as leaders through: Non Violent Direct Action and advancing our voices in decisions made about the future of our planet. The DAPL pipeline is being illegally built on Treaty land where sacred burial sites of the Standing Rock Sioux are being desecrated. When it bursts, it will contaminate a major source of drinking water for many communities. We are exhausting our Mother Earth by pulling resources from her, and to stop this, indigenous people and allies of all colors and creeds are peacefully organizing and demonstrating to protect our sacred water.


Previous donations helped to winterize the shelters at camp, provide necessary food supplies, protective gear for water protectors, and enable IIYC members to travel to Standing Rock.

Elders teaching youth how to put together a traditional tipi, Photo: Luis Raul

Current donations will be used to aide IIYC members in camp cleanup, bring back overstock donations that will be distributed to people in need within the Chicago community. Your contributions will also help the IIYC Chicago chapter acquire a 501 c3 status and continue to support the youth in the work of protecting our Land, Air, Water and people.