top of page

About Us

Matchik Wellness Inc. is a Native American-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation and surrounding sister tribal communities.

We provide land-based, eco-centered programs and workshops that empower youth with the skills and knowledge needed to build self-sufficiency and strengthen community resilience. Through hands-on experiences, participants engage in traditional practices such as pottery and underground pit kiln building, while learning to respect and care for the land.

Our programs uplift Indigenous art and artists, creating space for youth to explore their creativity and express themselves through various artistic mediums. We are also working toward building the first solar-powered youth art studio on our territory, blending cultural traditions with sustainable innovation.

Through our work, we aim to create safe, inspiring spaces where youth can grow with confidence, connect to their heritage, and become leaders within their communities.

Mission 

At Matchik Wellness Inc., our mission is to empower youth on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation and surrounding tribal communities through land-based learning, cultural arts, and sustainable practices.

We are committed to providing hands-on experiences that connect young people to the land, strengthen cultural identity, and build the skills needed for self-sufficiency, creativity, and leadership.

 

 

Vision

Our vision is to create a thriving, community-centered space where youth can learn, create, and grow—grounded in tradition and guided by sustainability.

We envision the development of the first solar-powered youth art studio on our territory, where future generations can access free, culturally rooted programming in pottery, pit kiln building, and environmental education.

Through this work, we aim to nurture confident, creative, and community-minded leaders who carry forward cultural knowledge while embracing innovative, sustainable practices.

🌱 Our Values
 

🪶 Cultural Preservation

We honor and uplift Indigenous traditions, knowledge, and artistic practices, ensuring they are passed down to future generations.

 

🌿 Connection to the Land

We believe the land is a teacher. Our programs are rooted in respect, stewardship, and a deep connection to the natural world.

 

🔥 Hands-On Learning

We prioritize experiential learning—encouraging youth to build, create, and explore through direct engagement with materials and processes.

 

🤝 Community & Collaboration

We are committed to strengthening our community by creating inclusive spaces where youth, families, and elders can connect and learn together.

 

🌞 Sustainability

We integrate environmentally responsible practices into our work, including our goal of building a solar-powered studio that reflects our commitment to the future of our land and people.

💛 Youth Empowerment

We believe in the power and potential of our youth. We strive to build confidence, leadership, and a sense of purpose through creativity and cultural connection.

Aquay Everyone,

My name is Celeste Syas, I live on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, NY. I recently graduated with my B.S in Human Development & Family Studies and my M.S in Social Work.  I am a 2025 DreamStarter Recipient of the Billy Mills Grant Program.

I started this non profit organization to give our youth dope opportunities & programs that will offer allow them to express themselves in creative ways, connect with nature & our environment. We also thrive to empower our youth and community about mental health.

Matchik means 'Turtle' in Algonquin. Turtles represent healing, wisdom, spirituality, health, safety, longevity & protection. In my culture the turtle plays an important role in the creation of the earth.

bottom of page