Neely Bardwell

Neely Bardwell (she/they) is Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians with her family – the Kenoshmegs – being one of the original signers on the Washington Treaty of 1836. Her spirit name, given to her by veteran and respected elder George Martin, is Manidookwe, which translates to Spirit Woman. 

Neely comes to CNAY from Native News Online (NNO), the leading national Native owned and operated digital media company, where she most recently served as the Political Editor. During her time with NNO, Neely had the opportunity to cover the stories that matter most to Indian Country, forging connections with tribal leaders, local, state, and congressional representatives, and White House Secretaries, including previous Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland. 

Neely graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy from James Madison College with a minor in American Indian and Indigenous Studies in 2023.

Reclaiming and re-engaging with community, culture and spirituality is most important to Neely, as well as ensuring all Native youth have access to the same opportunities. She is honored and grateful for the chance to make change with the Center for Native American Youth.