G.R.A.C.E.
YFires GRACE Initiative​
In-person and virtual trainings around Inclusion and Diversity, Intercultural Competency, and Indigenous Studies. Also Highlighting a trip to Dupree to engage in our grassroot and hands on community programming.
This program is open to everyone. But we believe grassroots organizers, activists, and YMCA leaders might be most interested
​​​​​​​​​​
​​
​​​
2026 Wave windows: ​
-
Virtual Trainings - self selecting - April 27 - May 8
-
Summer range - May 29 - August 21
-
Fall range - August 18 - September 22
​
Please review the Initiative Manual linked here before applying for this opportunity to make sure you understand the commitment
Virtual Trainings and Recordings:
​
What is the YMCA Fires’ GRACE Initiative - recording coming soon
An overview of the GRACE Initiative—its purpose, structure, and impact. Learn how this leadership experience connects service, cultural understanding, and community engagement across the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation.
- Friday, May 1 — 1:30–3:00 MT
- Monday, May 4 — 12:00–1:30 MT click here for the meeting link
The Y’s History of Membership & Connection by Joe Kovalcheck
Explore the YMCA’s legacy of community building and belonging, with a focus on how that history connects to today’s work. click here for the meeting link
- Tuesday, April 28 — 12:00–1:00 MT
​
How to Celebrate Indigenous Culture by YFires Team
Learn respectful and meaningful ways to recognize and celebrate Indigenous cultures in your programs, moving beyond tokenism toward authentic relationship-building and learning.
- Wednesday, April 29 — 12:00–1:00 MT
- Monday, May 4 — 2:00–3:00 MT click here for the meeting link
- Wednesday, May 6 — 12:00–1:00 MT click here for the meeting link
What’s In a Name – Youth Program Language Upgrade by Andrew Corley - click here for recording
Examine how language shapes youth experiences. This session focuses on updating program language to be more inclusive, strengths-based, and aligned with the values of dignity and belonging.
- Tuesday, April 28 — 1:30–2:00 MT
- Thursday, April 30 — 12:00–12:30 MT
- Tuesday, May 5 — 2:00–2:30 MT click here for the meeting link
ACEs and Historical Trauma in Native Communities by Amber Corley, MA,NCC - click here for recording
Understand the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and historical trauma in Native communities, and how this knowledge can inform more compassionate, trauma-aware programming.
- Thursday, April 30 — 1:00–1:30 MT
- Thursday, May 7 — 1:00–1:30 MT click here for the meeting link
​
Land Acknowledgements and How They Can Be Implemented by YFires Team - click here for recording
Go beyond writing a land acknowledgment—learn how to meaningfully integrate it into your organization’s actions, relationships, and ongoing commitments.
- Wednesday, April 29 — 1:30–2:00 MT
- Thursday, May 7 — 12:00–12:30 MT click here for the meeting link
Darius and Debriefing by Darius Lyles - click here for recording
practical session on how to lead effective debrief conversations with peers. Learn tools to process experiences, deepen learning, and build stronger group connections.
- Thursday, April 30 — 1:30–2:00 MT
- Thursday, May 7 — 1:30–2:00 MT click here for the meeting link
Who is the NAIRN by YFires Team - click here for recording
An introduction to the Native American Indigenous Relations Network (NAIRN) and its role in supporting Indigenous engagement, partnerships, and learning across the YMCA movement.
- Tuesday, April 28 — 2:00–2:30 MT
Longitudinal Study: What Makes the YMCA Fires Powerful by Ryan Gagnon, Ph.D - click here for the recording
Dive into research and evaluation insights that highlight the long-term impact of YMCA Seven Council Fires programs on youth, families, and communities.
- Wednesday, April 29 — 2:00–3:00 MT
Inappropriation Book Review by Co-author, Ryan Bean
A guided discussion of Inappropriation, focusing on cultural appropriation, identity, and responsibility—challenging participants to reflect on their own roles in cultural spaces.
- Tuesday, May 5 — 12:00–1:00 MT click here for the meeting link
YMCA 175 Native Toolkit: How to Use It by YFires Team
Learn how to effectively use the YMCA 175 Native Toolkit as a resource for education, programming, and engagement with Indigenous communities.
- Tuesday, May 5 — 1:30–2:00 MT click here for the meeting link
Self-Paced Trainings and e-Learnings by Andrew Corley
An overview of additional learning modules participants can complete on their own time to deepen their understanding and prepare for on-the-ground experiences.
- Wednesday, May 6 — 1:30–2:00 MT click here for the meeting link
The History
Through our partnership with the YMCA of the North (formerly the YMCA of Greater Twin Cities), staff, volunteers, and youth travel to the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation for an experience that provides leadership development, unique programing opportunities, and cultural immersion. Originally known as the Sioux Y Initiative we are revamping and extending an invite out to you. This programs ensures that the youth who are residents in some of the most isolated communities on the Reservation have access to a range of physically and mentally stimulating activities, along with a good meal! Thanks to this program, the youth are offered positive adult interactions, and experiences that encourage them to thrive.
​
Through grass-roots programming, the Initiative develops an understanding of the global nature of the Y movement and way of life for a people very different from oneself. Each summer around 20 staff from YMCAs all over the United States help expand the scope of programming at the Y and the number of youth served.
BUILDING A LASTING IMPACT
Initiative participants arrive in groups of 3 or 4, completing programming that overlaps with the next team by a couple of days. Overall, service to these communities for youth ages 3 and older. Thanks to this program, more than 1000 youth have connected to positive adult role models since the Initiative began.
​
Participants develop a strong understanding of and commitment to the YMCA mission, bring skills and leadership development competencies back to their home branch, and make a huge impact on the lives that are touched. In addition to the benefits to the Initiative participants, the Y Seven Fires also benefits immensely. With a vast service area of 4,400 miles and 18 communities stretched across those miles, coupled with limited amount of resources with which to deliver our programs, we rely on our partnerships for support.
Together, we can overcome the stark disparities that face one of the poorest areas in the entire United States.
QUESTIONS ABOUT The Initative Program?
Contact our Retreats and Trips Director: Mariah McLellan
Email: retreats@ymcafires.org
Y Phone: (605) 365-5232
​
Mailing Address:
PO BOX 218
Dupree, SD 57623