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.

Cadence R.

16, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho

In this piece, the explosions explain my constant racing thoughts and ideas; my mind never rests, even when I’m asleep! The noodles are my favorite food- like spaghetti, ramen and pasta! The animals portray what my friends say about me- they say I have their energy, hah! The purple planet is Saturn; I colored it purple because I thought Saturn with a purple tint would be pretty in the books! Of course, that’s ME in the upper left-hand corner…. because, WHY NOT?!!

BACK TO ALL POSTS

“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