Dante Martinez

Dante Martinez is 21 years old, Coast Miwok from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and attending Santa Rosa Junior College. During Dante’s first year of college, he became captain of the swim team. He has been mentoring with Jeri Brunoe and is now a Youth Facilitator at the national level. As a Youth Facilitator, he feels a sense of passion and honor to give back to the community. Dante was also part of the Native American Youth Action Team for 4 years and was able to attend several Native American youth conferences in Phoenix, San Diego, LA, and Jackson. All of which has taught leadership and team-building skills. That then inspired him to follow after the example of the workers who he has loved and respected. They have taught what it is to be a leader in the first place. I believe that through our tribal programs we can improve our community and create opportunities to help our native youth. I believe that having these programs for the youth is important because it gets the kids involved with their community while helping them gain an understanding of the community.