David Vanderhoop

As a 2019 Vision Fellow, David Vanderhoop designed and implemented a summer teen leadership training program through Aquinnah-based Sassafras Earth Education. The program hosted 50% native youth and youth of color and integrated three areas: (i) nature connection, care-taking the earth, and permaculture; (ii) decolonizing minds and hearts by taking a hard look at history and historic trauma surrounding Native Americans and People of Color, addressing white privilege, and the persistence of racism; and (iii) healthy lifestyle choices, wholesome practices, natural exercise, wild/ancestral and local foods, and peaceful communication. David believes that integrating these three areas is important because connecting to the land is inherently tied to the identity and knowledge of Native and Indigenous Peoples. Since 2005, Sassafras has offered nature connection mentoring programs to people of all ages, with a special emphasis on teens.