CNAY and AT&T CIPP Host 2019 Gen-I Summer Networking Reception

Wednesday, July 17, 2019- The 4th Annual Generation Indigenous Summer Networking Reception brought together youth working, interning, and attending programming in Washington, D.C. for a chance to connect with each other and our four featured Native professionals who work in D.C. For the 2nd year, CNAY partnered with the AT&T Center for Indigenous Politics and Policy to co-host the annual event at George Washington University.

The event brought together Native and non-Native youth from various summer programs, including GWU’s INSPIRE Pre-College Program and the Native American Political Leadership Program (NAPLP). This year’s reception featured small group discussions and icebreakers, headshots in our photobooth, a customized snapchat geofilter, raffles prizes and giveaways, and food from the D.C.-based Aloha CR3W.

The interns were joined by four Native professionals who work in D.C., and these professionals led the small group discussions. The professionals were able to provide advice and connect the youth with more opportunities and resources in the D.C. area. This year’s featured professionals included:

• Nick Courtney, Makah, Policy Analyst, National Congress of American Indians
• Naomi Miguel,Tohono O’oodham Nation, Professional Staff, House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the U.S.
• TJ Londagin, Cherokee Nation, CEO and Co-founder, Totem Consulting
• Angeline Boulley, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Director, Office of Indian Education, US Department of Education

The reception was kicked off with a blessing and land acknowledgement from CNAY intern Kendra Becenti. Following the blessing, CNAY Youth Advisory Board Chair  Nancy Deere-Turney welcomed the attendees to the reception and provided advice to the group based on her past experiences as an NAPLP and Udall intern in Washington, D.C.

“Anytime you are not sure why you came to D.C., remember that you are carving out a new direction not only for your people but for all of the people like you who will come after,” said Nancy.

Following Nancy’s remarks, she welcomed CNAY Founder and Board Chair, Senator Byron Dorgan (ret.) who provided remarks about the creation of CNAY, his work in the senate, and his upcoming book that will be released in the early Winter of 2019.

“You are here because you want to make a difference and seek out the tools for both your own personal growth and the growth of your families and communities,” said Senator Dorgan. “CNAY is here to support you.”

If you were not able to attend the reception and are interested in connecting with the Generation-Indigenous Network, visit alumni.generationindigenous.org to take the challenge and join the online portal.

Photos and headshots from the event will be available on the Generation Indigenous Facebook within the week. For any questions or additional information about the Generation Indigenous Network, reach out to CNAY Program Coordinator Tashia Arnold at tashia.arnold@aspeninstitute.org.

Special thanks to our event sponsors – Clause Law P.L.L.C, North Star Group, Ho-Chunk Nation, and the National Congress of American Indians.