2026 CNAY Fellows Embark on a Journey of Community Impact

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CONTACT: Jamie Levitt, jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org

Center for Native American Youth Fellows Embark on a Journey of Community Impact
Nearly 30 Indigenous youth will advance their advocacy skills, share knowledge, and receive project funding to become sovereignty-minded community leaders.

WASHINGTON – March 17, 2026 – The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) is proud to announce the 2026 CNAY Fellows, a class of 24 aspiring Indigenous leaders (ages 18-24) united by a drive to better their communities. Formerly three distinct programs, members of the Brave Heart, Remembering Our Sisters and California Native Youth Collective cohorts will convene as one on Cahuilla land (Palm Springs) to begin their journey later this month.

The Fellows’ shared curriculum focuses on sovereignty and self-determination. Designed for Native youth who aspire to serve their Tribal Nations as future leaders, decision-makers and Nation builders, sessions will focus on building practical understanding of sovereignty not just as a concept, but as it operates in real life – legally, financially and institutionally. 

“Our team is so excited to welcome this class of CNAY Fellows! We feel honored to experience their passion, witness their collaboration and share in their cultural celebration,” said CNAY Executive Director Tracy Canard Goodluck (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin & Mvskoke Creek). “While Fellows come from all different backgrounds and hold different skill sets, it brings me hope to know that they are united by their determination to shape the future of Indian Country.”

The 2026 CNAY Fellows represent 36 Tribes and nine states. Outside of their core work as a cohesive group, much of the 2026 Fellowship will be divided into three distinct cohorts, each focused on a different issue area:

  • The Brave Heart program provides pathways for Pacific Northwest youth to enhance their skills as protectors of our lands, waterways and sacred sites, and stewards for food sovereignty. This year’s cohort includes Amaria Rosado, Christina Kaltsukis, Hilary Penfield, Isabella Haakanson, Jeamilett Martinez, Kailani Sirois and Toipureenah Orozco.
  • The Remembering Our Sisters program illuminates opportunities for female & femme-identifying youth passionate about advocating and raising awareness for the MMIP epidemic. This year’s cohort includes Belle Brings Plenty, Kaya Dickson, Nichole Beatty, Phoenix Thomas, Precious Cook, Sadie Hill Kelley and Sunny Wahquahboshkuk.
  • The California Native Youth Collective creates a policy advocacy network and cross-sector platform for Indigenous youth in California. This year’s cohort includes Alejandra Davila, Alexio Lira, David Felipe, Jaeden Wesley, Kateri Azure, Lauren Reyes, Metzli Lemus, Payton McCoy, Reg Macarro and Tiana Uriarte.

CNAY supports youth-led change through a culturally-grounded curriculum, intergenerational learning and promotion of policy change at the Tribal, local, state and national levels. Fellows work alongside community members, like-minded organizations and peers to grow as individuals and in their cohorts – confident in their abilities, grounded in their culture, and rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. For more information, or to schedule an interview with a 2026 Fellow, please contact Jamie Levitt (jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org). Learn more about the CNAY Fellowship, including individual Fellow bios, by visiting https://www.cnay.org/. 

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About CNAY: The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth – ages 24 and under – on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well- being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. Learn more: www.cnay.org