CLAW Junior

CLAW (Culture, Leadership, Academics, and Well-Being) Junior Staff

The CLAW Junior Staff position supports the cultural, academic, leadership, and wellness development of American Indian middle and high school youth participating in MIGIZI’s CLAW program. Junior Staff work alongside the CLAW Program Director, Cultural Support Specialists, and Academic Specialist to help create a supportive, culturally grounded environment where youth can grow as leaders and strengthen their connection to community and culture.

Responsibilities include assisting with the planning, coordination, and supervision of youth programming, supporting cultural and educational activities, mentoring participants, and helping maintain a positive and respectful learning environment. Junior Staff also support program operations through attendance tracking, team collaboration, social media content support, and facilitating cultural or educational lessons with guidance from supervisors.

This role emphasizes relationship‑building, youth mentorship, cultural engagement, and leadership development while supporting youth in achieving personal, academic, and community goals.

As part of the CLAW program, Junior Staff will also support MIGIZI’s Summer Water Sovereignty Program — an 8-week, culturally grounded, land‑based experience for Native youth transitioning into high school. The program focuses on environmental justice, outdoor leadership, and cultural learning through activities such as canoeing, camping, plant medicine teachings, language lessons, and learning about Dakota and Ojibwe communities in Minnesota.

Junior Staff help guide youth through outdoor skill‑building, teamwork, and cultural activities while serving as mentors and positive role models. Staff also support participant safety and well‑being during experiential learning opportunities, including a 5‑day Boundary Waters canoe trip (July 29 – August
2).

• Summer
  
  Hours:
  
  Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• School Year
  
  Hours:
  
  Monday – Thursday, 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM, Friday hours TBD

CLAW (Culture, Leadership, Academics, and Well-Being) is MIGIZI’s after school and youth development program designed to support Native youth through culturally grounded leadership development, academic support, wellness programming, and community connection. Through hands‑on activities, cultural teachings, mentorship, and experiential learning, youth build confidence, leadership skills, and strong relationships with peers and community.

MIGIZI is a Native‑led nonprofit based in South Minneapolis that supports the educational, social, economic, and cultural development of American Indian youth through culturally grounded programming and leadership development.

Email Jenelle Crozier, Development & Operations Manager, at jenellec with the subject line: MIGIZI Community Liaison
* Your Name*. Include in the email your cover letter on why you would be a good fit at MIGIZI and your resume.

EEO:
It is the policy of MIGIZI to recruit, hire, train, promote, and otherwise make personnel decisions regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, or membership/activity in a local human rights commission.