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.

MATTHEW HOLGATE

NAVAJO
AGE: 18

I am a senior at Flagstaff High School, my clans are Many Goats born for Bitter Water, my maternal grandfather is Mexican Clan and my Paternal grandfather is Many Goats. I am originally from Shiprock New Mexico and I am 18 years old.

When I took this picture I thought about how amazing it is to stand at such an antique sight and being able to look at a land mark that not only I get to see but also my ancestors before me. Being in this exact spot capturing the beauty of Shiprock rock could mean I was in the exact spot that many leaders we look up to have stood and embraced this beautiful sight. And the painting (watercolor) represents an elder with a child being taught generational teaches with a weaving that tells the future of both people.

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“As intergenerational trauma survivors (and those who are still suffering) we must shift our minds from focusing on what has been lost and change it to the conscious awareness of what we can still learn.”

-Madison White,

MOHAWK NATION OF AKWESASNE, 2019 Champion for Change