Cayuse Government Operations, part of the Cayuse Holdings family of companies, presents a $13,000 donation in January t2024 o two youth programs of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

MISSION — Cayuse Government Operations, part of the Cayuse Holdings family of companies, presented a check in January to two youth programs of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Cayuse Government Operations in a press release reported the donation was on behalf of its 411 employees. Cayuse Government Services Managing Director Preston Eagleheart and Program Manager Ron Smith presented the check. The tribes’ After School Education Program and Youth Leadership Council within the Department of Children and Family Services will share the $13,000.

“Part of our vision at Cayuse Government Operations is ‘Grow the Company, Grow the People,’” Executive Managing Director Randy Willis said in the press release. “We are proud to give back to the community and look forward to watching these important youth programs flourish.”

“We already had so many opportunities before, and this just expanded them by a lot,” according to Miracle Edmiston, Youth Leadership Council publicist. “It’s going to be really good for us youth and I’m really excited to see what it’s going to bring,”

The council provides a collective voice for CTUIR youth, helps them transition from youth leadership to tribal leadership and serves as a means of mobilizing and coordinating the actions of youth, other community members and organizations toward positive goals and aspirations.

The After School Education Program runs five days a week, 48 weeks a year and enrolls 205 students, providing care, education and social opportunities during afternoons and evenings.

“It’s great to see the youth programs being supported,” Smith said in the release. “Before Cayuse, I worked with various tribal youth programs such as the After School Program. The children who I worked with in those programs are now adults and are doing great things. Keeping these activities going is providing a safe and positive environment for the youth.”

Kahoa, an after-school student, summed what what the donation means to students: “I appreciate you guys because we get to have more fun.”