About Us

Dream the Impossible

2027 CONFERENCE

Hosted at University of Redlands
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Today there are over 35+ Tribes, Tribal organizations, and universities that contribute to the DTI Youth Conference annually.

D.R.E.A.M MISSION

  • Dedication
  • Responsibility
  • Education
  • Attitude
  • Motivation

The Dream the Impossible Youth Conference was founded in 2007 by several Southern California Tribes and Tribal organizations. The idea began when local youth councils set out to organize a conference specifically for Southern California Native youth. After multiple planning meetings, the youth selected the conference name and decided to host the first-ever Southern California Native Youth Conference on the Soboba Indian Reservation at Noli Indian High School and the Recreation Center. The success of this event marked the beginning of the Dream the Impossible Youth Conference becoming an annual tradition.

Dream the Impossible Native Youth Foundation

Established 501(c)(3) – Summer 2025

Dream the Impossible Native Youth Foundation is now an established 501c3 organization, as of Summer 2025. This event has been supported since 2007 by Southern California Tribes and Tribal organizations and will continue the work so many support. The Advisory Committee for the annual event includes representatives from Tribes and Tribal Liaisons from colleges across Southern California, all are dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to make this event successful.

PURPOSE

DTI’s purpose is to encourage Native youth to dream big, to dream of becoming anything they want to be, and to dream of greatness. As long as youth have a dream, they will always have something to strive for in life. DTI also provides native youth exposure to various college campuses to eliminate the pressure, fear, or intimidation that youth may feel towards walking on a college campus.

GOAL

DTI’s goal is to empower native youth “to take charge by allowing them the opportunity to tell us as advisors and program managers what interests them,” said Shonta Chaloux, one of the conference founders. “Students design the conference logo, select conference topics, location, color of shirts, select afternoon activities and decide on what meals will be eaten during the conference”.