Brave Heart Fellowship
Champions for Change
CA Native Youth Collective
Remembering Our Sisters
Building Communities of Hope
Creative Native
Democracy is IndigenousRecognizing and amplifying Native youth who inspire one another to make a positive impact in their communities.
About the Program
The Champions for Change (CFC) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. Inspired by a 2011 White House initiative, CFC develops young Indigenous leaders through experience-based learning and tailored advocacy training.
Each year, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) selects five inspirational youth (14-24) to serve as Champions for Change: young leaders from across the country with a desire to better their communities. This can be done in schools or programs, on reservations or in urban environments – anywhere there is opportunity to cultivate positive impact.
All applicants, regardless of acceptance, become part of the CNAY network and engage with our community.
Learn More
The 2025 Champions for Change serve as representatives of the next generations of leaders, joining the decade-strong Champs program, including more than 50 active alumni. This year’s Champs reflect the diverse cultures, bright futures and overall resiliency of the Indigenous Peoples of the United States.
They collectively advocate for increased access to justice resources in Native communities; improving Indigenous healthcare systems; environmental rights; tribal recognition; and art, literacy and cultural representation.
Congratulations to Joshua, Maiyu, Katie, Lily and Lourdes!
Read more about the 2025 Champs:
- 2025 Champ Lourdes Pereira on National Indigenous Languages Day
- Center for Native American Youth Proudly Announces the 2025 Champions for Change
- 2025 Champ Katie Lynch on the International Day of Women & Girls in Science
- 2025 Champions for Change Address Tribal Leaders, Community Members & Allies in Washington, DC
- Champs Week 2025: Growth, Community and Advocacy in the Nation’s Capital
Questions? Please contact Programs Manager Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org
Narrative Change
Champions for Change are working to shape the narrative by sharing their voices through strategic media partnerships at the tribal, local, state and national level. During their time as Champs, and far beyond, these young leaders are viewed as experts in their fields. Over the years, Champs have been interviewed for live TV & radio, profiled by numerous impactful outlets and served as representatives of their communities in global conversations.
What is the Role of a Champion?
Champions enter a yearlong, close working relationship with CNAY that begins in the spring with a series of recognition events in Washington, DC, known as Champs Week. This national recognition provides an initial platform for Champions to amplify their leadership stories and a variety of resources that enhance their advocacy skills. Throughout their term, they receive support and resources from our network, as well as unique opportunities to represent themselves and CNAY at various events. Visit our Newsroom to read more about previous Champions and their work.
Champs also serve a minimum one-year term on our YAB
(Youth Advisory Board) and take advantage of opportunities to contribute to the national dialogue on critical issues affecting Native communities.
Listen and learn more about previous Champions’ experiences below!
Community-Based Programs
To expand the reach of a proven leadership model and incite localized transformation, CNAY established Champions for Change Community-Based Programs. Modeled after the national fellowship, young Native leaders receive hands-on advocacy, community organizing and communications training. Participants also develop community action projects, designed to affect positive changes they wish to see in their home community.
Our current community-based programs include the Calm Before the Storm (North Dakota) and Growing into Wowachinyepi (South Dakota).
Interested in bringing Champions for Change to your community? Contact Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org
Meet the Champions for Change
