CNAY & NCAI Announce Adoption of Youth Resolutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:
Jamie Levitt, jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org
Dr. Mary Parker, mparker@ncai.org

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) and National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Announce Adoption of Two Remarkable Youth Resolutions
CNAY’s Youth Advisory Board and NCAI’s Youth Commission each sponsored a resolution that was heard and passed at the 2025 NCAI Annual Convention.

WASHINGTON – December 17, 2025 – The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute and National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) are proud to announce the adoption of two youth-led resolutions. Sponsored by CNAY’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB), Resolution #SEA-25-115 urges Tribal Nations and Organizations to promote and increase Native youth engagement in governance and advocacy. Sponsored by the NCAI Youth Commission, Resolution #SEA-25-118 addresses the issue of substance abuse by calling for dedicated commitment and funding for trauma-informed, culturally-grounded, peer-driven substance use prevention, harm reduction and recovery models for Native youth. 

Resolutions are one of the policy mechanisms utilized by NCAI to express the consensus positions of member Tribal Nations on federal, state, local and/or Tribal legislation, litigation or policy matters that affect the welfare and rights of American Indian and Alaska Native governments or communities. They must be “of a general nature to advocate the best interests” of all Native American communities. 

Native youth represent the future of Tribal governments and Indigenous communities, and are essential to sustaining culture and governance. Yet systemic barriers often restrict youth participation in policy-making processes, including limited access to mentorship, representation and institutional support. The passage of both resolutions is a clear indication of the strength of Native youth, and an affirmation by NCAI membership that youth voices are essential.

Led by 2025 Champion for Change Katie Lynch (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), CNAY’s YAB expressed interest in a resolution that would reinforce the importance of intergenerational collaboration when it comes to decisions that impact the future of Tribal communities. Newly appointed policy director of NCAI, Meghan Bishop (Sugpiat & Native Village of Afognak) attended a YAB meeting to show NCAI’s full support, and walked youth through the process of submitting a resolution. Allison Binney (Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians), Chair of CNAY’s Board of Advisors, also served as a critical champion of Resolution #SEA-25-115.

“I am filled with deep gratitude for the opportunity to champion this resolution and advocate for the inclusion of Native youth in Tribal governance,” said Lynch. “Growing up, I never saw myself as a leader. All I knew was that we needed young people in rooms where decisions were being made, to speak truth to power and demand a better world. Today, I carry the radical hope of my generation forward because this moment demands it. We are the medicine our communities need.”

“CNAY is incredibly proud of our YAB members – Katie Lynch, Sage Phillips, Tayler Higgins, Samuel Hiratsuka and Lakota McRoberts – who carried this call with vision and commitment. Native youth bring lived experience, cultural knowledge and fresh insights vital to the decisions that shape their Nations,” said Tracy Goodluck (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin & Mvskoke Creek), Executive Director of CNAY. “This landmark resolution is an invitation to Tribal leaders to build alongside our youth and lay the foundation for intergenerational leadership rooted in sovereignty, self-determination and culture. We are inspired by this resolve and stand ready to partner with Tribal governments to build pathways that amplify Native youth voices.”

Resolution SEA-25-118, brought forward by the NCAI Youth Commission, responds to the substance abuse crisis in Native communities and calls for sustained funding for prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery models for Native youth. Developed with the NCAI Policy Team, led by Bishop, the Youth Commission also launched the inaugural Native Youth Policy Dialogue at the Annual Convention, giving youth hands-on resolution training and a direct look at the policy process.

“These resolutions are more than policy,” said Youth Commission Co-President Angelina Serna (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians & Oneida Nation). “They are a promise… that [youth] voices matter and their healing matters.” 

“The Youth Commission deeply appreciates the mentorship, guidance and expertise of the NCAI Policy Department for helping make these resolutions possible. Their support ensures young leaders gain the skills, confidence, and policy experience needed to advocate for their communities in powerful and enduring ways. We also extend our gratitude to CNAY, whose partnership continues to strengthen youth leadership and amplify the urgent issues facing Indian Country,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. (Ponca Tribe of Nebraska).

The process of bringing a resolution to General Assembly is a rigorous one. After submitting a resolution, the content is reviewed by the NCAI Resolutions Committee, the NCAI Executive Committee and, if recommended, deliberated through the NCAI Committee Structure (Litigation & Governance Committee for #SEA-25-115 and Human Resources Committee for #SEA-25-118) before finally being brought to the General Assembly for a final vote. At the 2025 Annual Convention, 134 total resolutions were received, of which 100 were adopted by the General Assembly. Both youth-led resolutions were adopted unanimously at the General Assembly at the 2025 Annual Convention of the National Congress of American Indians, held November 16-21, 2025, in Seattle, WA, with a quorum present.

To connect with CNAY staff or youth leader, please contact Jamie Levitt (jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org). To connect with NCAI staff or youth leader, please contact Dr. Mary Parker (mparker@ncai.org).

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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 

About NCAI: Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of Tribal governments and communities, promoting strong Tribal-federal government-to-government policies and a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights.Learn more: www.ncai.org