Celebrating 15 Years of Service

Since its founding in 2011, CNAY has been dedicated to uplifting and amplifying Indigenous youth leaders

written by Jarrette Werk, 2018 Generation Indigenous Movement Builders Fellow

For the last 15 years, the Center for Native American Youth at The Aspen Institute (CNAY) has been dedicated to supporting and improving the well-being of Indigenous youth. By breaking down barriers and creating greater access to resources and services that uplift the mind, body and spirit, CNAY has made a lasting impact across Indian Country, one that will continue to ripple through generations to come.

When I think about who I was when I first became involved with CNAY and compare that person to who I am today, it feels like night and day. I owe so much to this organization and to the incredible people behind it for pouring into me, believing in my journey, and reminding me of the power I carry. And I know I am not alone in that feeling.

For years, CNAY has believed in the potential of Native youth and invested in that potential. In doing so, it has helped equip advocates, activists, artists, educators, scholars, political leaders and so many others with the tools, confidence and community they need to create positive change in the world.

CNAY was one of the first organizations to truly believe in me and in my ability as a storyteller.

When I applied to be a Generation Indigenous Movement Builders Fellow in 2018, I had only one semester of journalism school under my belt. I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do with my degree yet, but I knew one thing: I wanted to help share stories from across Indian Country.

CNAY and Gen-I helped me see the world more clearly through an Indigenous lens. They taught me the importance of accurate, authentic and positive representation in media, and reminded me that it matters who is behind the lens, who is holding the tape recorder and who is telling our stories.

My cohort and I created the “Reclaiming Our Narrative” project, a series of written profiles highlighting influential young Indigenous leaders from around the world. Our goal was simple but powerful: to showcase the incredible work being led by other young Indigenous people and to remind ourselves, and others, of just how powerful we are.

We highlighted activists, artists, land and water defenders and community leaders who were doing important work in their communities. Their stories became a source of inspiration, not only for those reading them, but for us as storytellers, too.

And when our cohort ended, the support didn’t stop.

I was continuously invited to participate in workshops, sit on panels and use my voice and storytelling as a tool for change. I traveled across the country, stepping into spaces and places I never knew existed. I asked questions. I documented moments through my camera. I listened. And along the way, I made meaningful connections that have stayed with me to this day.

Then, in 2020, I had the opportunity to join the CNAY team as the communications lead. My role was to help share the stories of success, resilience and triumph of our youth leaders.

Of course, 2020 brought challenges none of us could have anticipated. When the pandemic prevented us from gathering in person, CNAY quickly adapted, creating new ways for young people to connect, learn and share space virtually through the Tele-Native Youth Webinar series.

We connected industry experts with CNAY’s youth leaders for meaningful and impactful conversations about caring for our communities, from harvesting and distributing traditional and first foods, to distributing personal protective equipment in urban and rural communities, to the importance of movement and staying active during quarantine.

And one of my personal favorites: how laughter is the best medicine.

That work was deeply inspiring, especially during such a difficult and uncertain time. Watching these incredible young people step up for their families, communities and Nations reminded me why storytelling matters. It reminded me of the responsibility we have to share stories of strength, joy and resilience.

It also inspired me to return to school and finish what I had started.

After completing my contract with CNAY, I went back to school to finish my journalism degree, determined to continue doing my part to tell more of these stories and to make space for the success, joy and brilliance that exists throughout Indian Country.

My relationship with CNAY has continued to grow in the years since. From being invited back to speak with different cohorts in CNAY’s programming to being asked to serve as the official photographer for the White House Tribal Youth Forum for multiple years, the organization’s investment in its youth leaders has extended far beyond the time we spend in a particular program.

That, to me, is one of the most powerful things about CNAY.

They don’t just invest in young people for today. They invest in who we are becoming, and in the generations who will come after us.

At CNAY’s 15th Anniversary Reunion in Seattle last month, Executive Director Tracy Canard Goodluck shared that, as a Haudenosaunee woman, she is always thinking about the next seven generations.

I have heard that teaching before, but hearing those words come out of her mouth in that moment, it stayed with me. I saw it in real time. 

Because that is what makes CNAY so special. Its work is not simply about what we can accomplish right now. It is about building something that will continue to serve, uplift and empower Indigenous youth long into the future, long after we’ve left the physical world. 

I have experienced that love, care and dedication firsthand.

I have watched CNAY evolve in real time and expand its resources, programming and support. I have seen the organization grow from the perspective of a young leader who was once trying to find his path to where I am today, and it makes me incredibly hopeful for what comes next.

Fifteen years is something worth celebrating. But I think what is even more exciting is imagining the next 15 years.

Imagine the young people who haven’t found their voice yet. The future journalists, artists, organizers, educators, leaders, storytellers and change-makers who will walk through CNAY’s doors. Imagine the stories they will tell, the communities they will strengthen and the generations they will inspire.

I cannot wait to see where CNAY is another 15 years from now.

To everyone who has played a role in building this organization and making it what it is today: thank you.

Thank you for believing in Native youth. Thank you for creating spaces where we can learn, grow and find our voices. Thank you for reminding us that our stories matter and that our dreams are worth pursuing.

Our youth deserve places like CNAY, places that see their potential, believe in their power and give them the tools and support to step fully into it.

Because when we invest in our youth, we aren’t just investing in the present. We are investing in the next seven generations.