The Healing Lands Story

The Healing Lands Project began as a story that turned into a cause. While writing Pure Land, Southwest journalist and author Annette McGiveny, approached Grand Canyon Youth (GCY), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with an idea to support youth healing and transformation. Together, they created the Healing Lands Project to provide immersive wilderness expeditions to youth focused around healing.

Since 2019, GCY has served hundreds of youth through the Healing Lands Project at no cost to youth or their families. This project was inspired by Annette’s vision and supporters like you who believe in the power of spending time in nature. The Healing Lands Project continues to grow while remaining dedicated to the core belief that sharing outdoor expeditions with youth on the rivers and canyons of the Southwest can heal. Today, Healing Lands connects Indigenous youth to their ancestral homelands along the river, provides clinically supported expeditions for youth who have experienced family trauma, shares expeditions with youth from refugee families who are finding resilience after displacement from war, as well as supporting youth recommended by social service agencies.

Read more about Annette McGivney’s book, Pure Land, and her newest book, Plastic Shaman. Save the date for the Plastic Shaman Release Party at Bright Side Bookshop on Septempber, 15th in Flagstaff, AZ.

What we do

Healing Lands works toward individual healing and community engagement by facilitating clinical support as well as connecting with traditional ways of healing, including providing river access as a form of restorative justice.
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Who we serve

Through an immersive river expedition, Healing Lands connects youth 11-19 years old with peers who share a common experience to create a community of belonging. Healing Lands expeditions are offered at no cost– all youth participants are funded 100% by grants and donations from supporters like you. This innovative program utilizes the healing power of the natural world to soothe the wounds of trauma and violence.
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How we support

Skilled on-expedition guidance is provided by adult mentors who join youth on the river. Depending on the specific community being served, the youth experience may be facilitated by Indigenous knowledge holders, licensed therapists, or community advocates.
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Nurture in nature

We offer healing-based engagement for youth to connect with nature. Studies continue to show the positive impact on adolescents of spending time in nature, away from screens and the stressors of everyday life. Research published on the Children and Nature Network shows that time in nature can reduce stress, enhance attention, and improve self-regulation– key skills that help youth thrive in their personal and academic futures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get involved and support this project?

Healing Lands is built on nonprofit work, meaning this project is sustained through donations. If you want to support the Healing Lands Project, please consider donating! You can donate directly to the project here, or support it by purchasing the Pure Land or Plastic Shaman books.

You can support Grand Canyon Youth (GCY) programming more broadly by donating today, naming GCY in your planned giving, donating river gear, volunteering, attending events, or connecting youth to our summer programs!

I know a child or teen who would benefit from an outdoor experience. How do I sign them up?

Currently, participants are referred to the Healing Lands Project through the group organizing the expedition, which may include Tribal leaders, youth-serving organizations, social service providers, or community organizers, among others. If you are a group leader, a Tribal leader, or a social service provider, please call us to see how you can get involved.

How can I find more about the trips?

Our trips are managed and run by Grand Canyon Youth, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1998, whose mission is to offer educational outdoor expeditions that connect youth to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. Find more information about their trips here.

Do you have other questions? Contact us.