Indigenous Youth Progress Nest

Tracking Students From Seine Bight and Georgetown Primary Schools Graduating Class

GARIU to Host Final High School Conference for Indigenous Youth Progress Nest Cohort 2026

The Garifuna Institute for Indigenous Research and Understanding (GARIU) is proud to announce the hosting of the 2026 Indigenous Youth Progress Nest (IYPN) Conference under the theme:

“From Nest to Flight: Ready to Rise, Ready to Lead.”

The conference will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic School, Seine Bight Village.

This year’s conference marks a historic milestone for the IYPN programme as the original cohort of Nesters completes their fourth-form year and prepares to transition into adulthood, higher education, leadership, and the world of work. Since its launch in 2022, the Indigenous Youth Progress Nest has supported students from Seine Bight and Georgetown villages through mentorship, educational support, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities

The 2026 conference will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers and presenters who embody resilience, achievement, and community leadership

.International Guest Speaker

The conference is honored to welcome K'adamawe Knife as this year’s international guest speaker. Dr. Knife serves as Lecturer/Researcher in Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Planning at the Mona School of Business and Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, and is the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Thinking and Practice at The University of the West Indies.Dr.
Knife is internationally respected for his work in entrepreneurship, youth development, indigenous and African diasporic identity, leadership, and community transformation throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Local Guest Speaker

The conference will also feature Alex Nolberto, President of the National Garifuna Council, who will address students on leadership, cultural responsibility, and the importance of youth participation in the future development of Garifuna communities.

Youth Presenters – Nesters Turned Leaders

A special highlight of the conference will be presentations by former and current Nesters who have emerged as young leaders within their schools and communities:

Nalyjah Obrien

Jennel Marin

Ibime Martinez

CC Williams

These young presenters will share personal reflections, lessons learned, and messages of encouragement to younger students preparing to continue the journey.

According to Dr. Enita Lambey Barrett, Director of GARIU and Coordinator of the Indigenous Youth Progress Nest programme, the conference is intended to celebrate not only academic persistence, but also transformation, identity, and leadership development among indigenous youth.

“This conference represents more than an event. It represents four years of mentorship, struggle, growth, and hope. These young people entered the programme as children. They are now preparing to leave as emerging leaders.”

GARIU extends appreciation to all supporters, schools, parents, sponsors, mentors, and community partners who have contributed to the success of the Indigenous Youth Progress Nest programme over the past four years.

The public, educators, youth leaders, parents, and community stakeholders are invited to attend and support the event.

Contact Information

Dr. Enita Lambey Barrett
Director, GARIU
Indigenous Youth Progress Nest Coordinator
Email: enitabarrett@gmail.com
Phone: +501 609 1962ur paragraph here

Garifuna Institute for Research and Indigenous Understanding
(GARIU)

Here at GARIU our Vision and Mission is to Honor the richness of indigenous Peoples Heritage and Culture. And to promote advocacy, leadership, and professionalism of educators.