Young and Indigenous Podcast
Young and Indigenous is a storytelling platform grounded in Indigenous knowledge and lived experience. Through conversation and narrative, we amplify Indigenous voices, honor Ancestral wisdom and carry forward the stories that shape who we are. By bringing traditional storytelling into modern media, we create space for truth, healing and connection. We use storytelling as medicine, strengthening Native communities and offering broader audiences Indigenous perspectives that inspire collective care for Mother Earth.
When Indigenous voices are centered, knowledge is reclaimed, our relationship with the Earth is renewed and healing becomes possible.
Listen to the latest episode of YAI
S2 | Ep. 026 | A YAI Christmas Special
Gather round! In this special Christmas episode, immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays with a collection of short stories created by the Young and Indigenous team. Join us by the virtual fireplace, from tales of Sasquatch and the Basket Lady to setting a trap for Santa Claus, each story will put you in the holiday spirit!!!
S2 | Ep. 025 | The Love for the Game
Jaiyah Saelua is the first openly trans athlete to compete in a FIFA sanctioned qualifier. Tune in to our discussion about soccer, fa’afafine, working on Next Goal Wins with Taika Waititi, and advocating for transgender rights in the sports world.
S2 | Ep. 024 | Jason LaClair | My Gift From the Past
Bella gets deep with Jason LaClair, learning about his life creating Coast Salish art and his journey to wellness. Jason’s story is an example of strength, hope, inspiration, and belief that you can climb out of the darkness of addiction. Honoring his ancestors, he healed and transformed his life and you can now see his art all around Bellingham and the Lummi Community. We are all so proud of you.
S2 | Ep. 023 | YAi's Giving
Join us for an authentic conversation on Thanksgiving with Noelani Auguston. We’ll discuss history, personal stories, and embracing cultural diversity in this holiday reflection.
S2 | Ep. 022 | YAI Talks Love Languages
The YAI Team sat down to take a Love Language Quiz and discuss our love languages. Tune in to find out how we show ourselves and others love:)
To take the quiz we did, click here!
https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language
S2 | Ep. 021 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates and honors our history and culture. It represents a recognition of our resilience, heritage, and the ongoing struggles we continue to face. It’s a day to raise awareness about the rich diversity and enduring traditions of Indigenous cultures while also acknowledging the historical injustices and challenges we continue to face.
S2 | Ep. 020 | Elwha Friends on Canoe Journey
The YAI team got to sit down with a couple of our friends from The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe to talk about their experiences, hear their stories, and learn what Canoe Journey means to them.
S2. | Ep. 019 | Journeys & Tats
A week after getting done with Tribal Canoe Journey Paddle to Muckleshoot, the YAI team sits down to reflect on our time, our favorite canoe journey stories, and, oh, did we mention Free got new tattoos? Shout out to the West Shore Canoe Family!
S2 | Ep.018 | Wykeklyaa
Oonugwito (greetings), today’s episode starts a new introduction series for our YAI team members starting with Wykeklyaa Curleybear, a kwinayl (Quinault) Tribal member. We learn who she is and where she comes from, and how she got to where she is today.
S2 | Ep. 017 | Preserving Our Culture Through Language
Tina Joe is a language teacher here in Lummi. She speaks to Bella about the importance of language, culture, and passing it down to the next generation. We learn more about language as it ties to ceremony, and how it connects us to our ancestors.
Meet the Team
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Santana Rabang | Researcher, Producer, Host
An enrolled member of Lummi Nation, Santana Rabang is a podcast and film producer, youth leader and an alumna of Northwest Indian College. Santana's transformative work in the media space uplifts Native communities and combats harmful narratives about Indigenous peoples.
At Setting Sun Circle, Santana is a researcher and produces the Young and Indigenous podcast. She is proud of her series Healing Women Heals Mother Earth, which highlights the unique role Indigenous women play in cultural preservation, environmental stewardship and leadership. On TikTok, Santana is known for her advocacy, sharing of Coast Salish culture and documentation of Tribal canoe journeys.In 2025, Santana was honored with the Native Action Network Rising Star Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing Tribal communities.
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Troy Schulz | Editor
Troy Schulz is a filmmaker, journalist and photographer. He earned his bacehlor’s degree in journalism from Western Washington University in 2025 and holds an associate’s in journalism from South Puget Sound Community College. His work has been featured in the Salish Current, Lynden Tribune, Zenger News, WhatCulture, The Planet, The Front and Romeing Magazine.
At Setting Sun Circle, Troy is a Production Associate, supporting the films, podcasts and videos of the organization as well as organizing them for educators and community in the Digitial Heritage Library.
After a decade of amplifying Indigenous voices through films, podcasts, research and gatherings, we are embarking on a bold next chapter: the creation of Setting Sun Circle. We envision Setting Sun Circle as a living home for Indigenous voices, creativity, and leadership located in Bellingham’s Arts District. This dynamic space will house our next chapter. With a podcast studio, an immersive theater, a gathering and event space with thought leaders and performances, an Artist-in-Residence program, a contemporary gallery and a Healing Garden. It will be a place where communities come together, Indigenous knowledge meets innovation and conversations that matter take root.