We are the Center for Native American Youth

Our Vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, to have equal access to opportunity, and to draw strength from their culture and inspire one another.

Coloradas Mangas

Coloradas Mangas is a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico and serves as a Youth Board Member for the Center for Native American Youth. Coloradas got involved in suicide prevention efforts and Native youth advocacy after he was personally touched by a tragic cluster in suicides on his reservation. Mangas testified before the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in March 2010 on youth suicide and the need for mental health care resources in Indian Country. He serves on the executive committee of the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

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“I overcame statistics that said I shouldn’t graduate, and am doing my best to ‘break the cycle’ in other ways too. I want Native youth to know that no matter what their past is, they can turn it around and make something of their future.”

-Shawna Garza,

Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma , 2018 Champion for Change