Once a week, Gludas Tiadola Payton leads a cultural group for youth involved in Tlingit & Haida’s Wellness program. This offers a hands-on opportunity to explore cultural identity and reconnect with traditional practices. Payton, a Family Caseworker for Tlingit & Haida’s Wellness Court, brings a deep commitment to supporting young people as they focus on healing and self-growth.

“Community outreach is very important to me,” said Payton. “I like to listen to the needs and try to fill in where I can—whatever those needs are—be there for support and uplift people.”

The Youth Wellness Court, operating under the Tlingit & Haida Tribal Court, offers a culturally grounded path forward for tribal youth, providing an alternative to traditional court systems. This unique approach supports youth and families by addressing the root causes of challenges and creating space for holistic wellness and restoration.

A recent tináa making class offered a meaningful moment of community and connection. What made this class especially powerful was that it was led not by staff, but by a guardian of one of the young participants. “She just took that idea and ran with it,” said Jenne Buchmeier, Wellness Court Coordinator. “The guardian, Yanakeen, spoke with her brother, who generously donated tools and materials and took the time to mentor. Together, they not only created tináas but also passed on knowledge. So much so that the youth were able to teach the staff what they had learned.”

Buchmeier reflected on how transformative these experiences can be. “We witnessed two individuals, usually quiet and hesitant, step forward in a way that surprised us. Putting their hands on even a small part of their culture gave them a sense of confidence. That’s the kind of outcome we love to see.”

Programs like these are not about labeling people by their struggles, but about creating pathways for healing and hope. Everyone experiences hardship, what matters is how we support each other through it. In the Wellness Court, growth is not measured by perfection, but by the courage to keep showing up for yourself and your community.

By weaving together cultural traditions, family involvement, and restorative justice, the Wellness Court continues to open doors to healing and empowerment—one tináa at a time.