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About Diné Summit Seekers
Indigenous-led outdoor leadership, cultural empowerment, and ice climbing experiences for Diné youth and community members.
Our Story
Diné Summit Seekers is a Navajo-led outdoor leadership and cultural empowerment initiative founded by Emile Eich and Valentina Clitso during the 2024 All In Ice Fest. The program was created to increase Indigenous representation in ice climbing and expand access to outdoor recreation opportunities for Navajo youth and young adults.
In 2025, Diné Summit Seekers launched its inaugural cohort with six participants. Due to strong community support and growing interest, the program expanded to ten participants in 2026 through partnerships with local businesses including the Diné Development Corporation and Navajo Agricultural Products Industry. Through climbing, mentorship, and shared outdoor experiences, the program promotes confidence, leadership, cultural pride, and community connection.
Mission Statement & Values
Diné Summit Seekers creates opportunities for Navajo youth and young adults to experience outdoor leadership, ice climbing, mentorship, and cultural empowerment through new outdoor experiences and community connection.
Outdoor Leadership
Outdoor Leadership
We believe outdoor experiences build resilience, confidence, leadership, and personal growth. Through climbing and mountain exploration, participants challenge themselves while learning teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance.
Cultural Empowerment
Cultural Empowerment
Diné Summit Seekers centers Indigenous representation and cultural pride in outdoor spaces. We strive to create experiences where participants feel connected to community, identity, and the strength of Diné leadership.
Access & Opportunity
Access & Opportunity
We are committed to expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities for Navajo youth and young adults who may not otherwise have pathways into climbing, mountain sports, and outdoor leadership experiences.
Community & Mentorship
Community & Mentorship
Our program is built on relationships, mentorship, and shared experiences. We foster a supportive environment where participants encourage one another, build lasting friendships, and grow together as a community.
Our Journey
2024
DAILY
Program Founded at All In Ice Fest
5pm-8pm
Diné Summit Seekers was founded by Emile Eich and Valentina Clitso during the 2024 All In Ice Fest after festival organizers recognized the need for greater Indigenous representation in ice climbing and outdoor recreation.
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2025
2026
2027
DAILY
First Diné Summit Seekers Cohort
5pm-8pm
The program launched its first official cohort with 6 Diné participants, creating opportunities for leadership development, outdoor exploration, cultural connection, and ice climbing experiences.
DAILY
Program Growth & Community Support
5pm-8pm
We increased community interest and new sponsorship support from local businesses including: The Diné Development Corporation and the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry. The Diné Summit Seekers also expanded to 10 participants.
DAILY
Continuing the Climb
5pm-8pm
Diné Summit Seekers continues expanding opportunities for Navajo youth and young adults through outdoor leadership, mentorship, cultural empowerment, and mountain experiences.
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Meet the Coordinators
Valentina Clitso
Tódich'ii'nii
Bit'ahnii
Tó'áhani
'Áshįįhi
Black Mesa, AZ
I believe in the power of community, connection, and creating opportunities for Native youth in the outdoors. After attending the All In Ice Fest as a beginner climber, I helped build the relationships that led to the first Diné Summit Seekers cohort. As co-founder and co-coordinator, I’m passionate about expanding access to climbing and creating sustainable pathways for Indigenous climbers through training, mentorship, and outdoor leadership opportunities.
Emile Eich
Kinyaa'áanii
Vietnamese
Kinłichíí'nii
Bilagáana
Wide Ruins, AZ
After starting my climbing journey in college nearly 10 years ago, I realized how rare it was to see other Native climbers in outdoor spaces. That experience inspired me to help create opportunities for Indigenous climbers through programs like Indigi-Climb and eventually co-founding the Diné Summit Seekers. I’m passionate about building community, representation, and spaces where Native climbers can challenge themselves, connect, and thrive.