Champions for Change
Remembering Our Sisters
Brave Heart
California Native Youth Collective
Building Communities of Hope
Creative Native
Democracy is IndigenousConnecting Native youth to pathways of civic engagement
Have an idea for how to make an impact in your community? We now have micro-grant funding available to help bring your project to life!
Register for a workshop to learn about the history of Indigenous democracy & how you can make the change you want to see in your community.
About the Program
The Democracy is Indigenous (DII) campaign at the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) is dedicated to mobilizing young leaders – ages 11-24 – wishing to enhance civic engagement at the local, tribal, state and federal levels. Participants benefit from tailored training, a prominent national platform to amplify their initiatives and micro-grant funding to support the development of community action projects. By spearheading their own projects, organizers gain invaluable professional growth opportunities.
Get Involved
General Funding
CNAY is excited to offer a great opportunity to make a real impact in your community! Are you involved with a local organization doing good work? Do you have an idea for a community event, research or other project that will enhance the lives of community members? Apply today for micro-grant support to bring your idea to life!
To apply, tell us more about your plans for a community action project using the Democracy is Indigenous Project Proposal form. Projects will be funded* on a rolling basis throughout the year.
*grants go up to $6,000 with no more than 10% overhead
Curious about what others are doing? Check out our Project Spotlight! Have more questions? Need help with your project? Contact Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org. We also have a printable PDF flyer & additional information sheet available for download to share in your local community!
Partner With Us
CNAY is committed to fostering and building relationships within communities, bringing valuable training opportunities to Native youth across the United States. These tailored trainings – offered free of charge throughout the year – equip emerging young leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary for civic engagement, encouraging them to actively participate in shaping the future of their communities. All youth who participate have the opportunity to receive funding for a community action project.
REGISTER FOR A FREE WORKSHOP!
Please use the links below to register for a FREE virtual Training Workshop where we’ll walk you through the history of Indigenous democracy and explain how you can make a difference in your community with microgrant funding from CNAY:
Upcoming Sessions:
We also host in-person trainings at various events throughout the year. If you’ll be at any of the below, make sure to look for CNAY on the agenda!
- NCAI Mid Year Convention & Marketplace: June 14-17
- 50th Annual UNITY National Conference: July 10-14
- NCAI Annual Convention & Marketplace: October 18-22
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a custom community engagement training – outside of the dates above – for the youth in your network, please contact Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org
Learn More
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement refers to the active participation of individuals in the social, cultural and political affairs of their community, city, state and/or tribal nation. It involves citizens taking an active role in shaping public policies, making informed decisions and contributing to the betterment of society. Civic engagement is a fundamental aspect of democracy, as it empowers individuals to have a voice, express their concerns and work collectively towards positive social change and the common good. Civic engagement can include, but is not limited to:
- Voting in elections
- Participating in community organizations
- Advocating for social justice issues
- Volunteering, attending public meetings
- Engaging in peaceful protests
Indigenizing Democracy
Indigenous democracy refers to the principles, practices and systems of governance rooted in the traditions, values and cultural frameworks of Indigenous peoples. It encompasses the unique ways in which Indigenous communities exercise self-determination, make decisions and maintain their own forms of governance. Often, this is characterized by collective decision-making, consensus-building and a strong emphasis on community participation and inclusivity.
We Indigenize democracy by recognizing the inherent rights, knowledge and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenizing democracy is a vital aspect of self-determination for Indigenous communities working to uphold traditional governance systems and maintain their distinct identities.
Narrative Change
DII provides a platform for youth to share their work in their own voice, furthering the narrative and discourse surrounding Native American youth, civic action and Indigenous Democracy. We encourage Organizers to approach and reframe conversations from a Native perspective and provide unique opportunities to highlight their efforts through local and national media outlets.
Project Spotlight
Additional information and complete projects from former Organizers can be found under each bio below.
- Madeline worked to develop a virtual reality video game where users could immerse themselves in the Chippewa homelands. Her incredible efforts were recognized by NBC News.
- Cesar (left) worked to meet urgent recovery needs after the LA wildfires in early 2025 by collecting & distributing essential supplies, while creating safe spaces for healing & connection through peer-led support groups.
- Joshua launched the Pūkoʻa Fellows Program, a 12-week leadership and advocacy fellowship for Pasifika students living in the diaspora (outside of their ancestral homelands).
Meet the Organizers
