CNAY Mourns Ernie Stevens Jr

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jamie Levitt, jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org 

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute Mourns the Passing of Founding Board Member Ernie Stevens Jr.

WASHINGTON – It is with heavy hearts that we, the CNAY family, mourn the passing of Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens Jr., a proud member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin whose legacy lives on through the Native youth he dedicated his life to serving.  

As a founding member of the CNAY Board of Advisors, Ernie championed our community for many years. His commitment to uplifting young people and advocating for their wellbeing was resolute. “I was able to get to know Ernie over the many years I served in the Senate,” reflected CNAY Founder and Chair Emeritus of the Board of Advisors, former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan. “And I know that he was a strong leader and a remarkable person. Ernie was such a strong supporter of youth issues, which is why I asked him to be one of the original members of our Board, and he was happy to do that. I will miss Ernie Stevens.”

Ernie was a mentor and a friend to all those who knew him, and provided opportunities that reached far beyond his personal circle to his relatives across Indian Country. “Ernie had an unwavering commitment to our Native youth. He was an amazing role model, especially for our young Native men,” shared Allison Binney, Chair of CNAY’s Board of Advisors. “His leadership will be missed, but he instilled many with his values and principles, and his legacy will carry on.”

As a team, we will be forever grateful for his advocacy. Ernie lived our values through and through, and knew that Tribal sovereignty is paramount to achieving the future our youth deserve – a sentiment that will echo through the next seven generations.

“Ernie always worked fiercely to create space for the next generation of leaders. His contributions to CNAY made us stronger and more determined,” said Executive Director Tracy Goodluck. “In addition to our youth, Ernie was a mentor to me – always sharing kind, uplifting words of support from one Oneida to another. I will miss him.”

We offer our prayers for his journey to be with the ancestors, and for his family that survives him – his wife Cheryl, and their children and grandchildren. Yaw^ko, Ernie – for everything you did in this life and for the pathways you leave behind.

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About CNAY: The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth – ages 24 and under – on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well- being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. Learn more: www.cnay.org