Reports from the Field: Native Youth Media as Social Justice Youth Development

Abstract

Abstract:This article reviews the history of youth development theory and its emergence from colonial, sexist and racist contexts. It presents an alternative in the theory of Social Justice Youth Development for urban, Native American youth. It then explores the application of Critical Media Literacy as a Social Justice Youth Development practice and presents findings from a participatory evaluation of a 10-week Critical Media Literacy program with urban Native American youth. Preliminary analysis presents outcomes among youth participants and reveals evidence that supports, identifies tensions with and provides further theorization of Social Justice Youth Development practice within the context of Native youth development.