CNAY Releases Inaugural State of Native Youth Report

On December 1, CNAY hosted a public event at the Aspen Institute featuring a panel discussion with Native youth and community leaders in conjunction with the release of our inaugural State of Native Youth report.

The panel was co-moderated by CNAY founder & chairman Senator Byron Dorgan (ret.) and CNAY executive director Erik Stegman. Panelists included two Native youth – Felisha Howell (Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon) and Nicholas Courtney (Makah Nation and Modoc) – and Leslie Harper (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) a community expert passionate about language preservation and Native education.

LtR: Senator Byron Dorgan (ret.), Nicholas Courtney, Leslie Harper, Felisha Howell, Erik Stegman

During the discussion, panelists spoke to the importance of culture in the lives and development of Native youth. They also shared their perspectives on education, sacred sites, health and wellness among other themes that were detailed in the report.

Each year, the State of Native Youth report will share what we’ve learned about Native youth priorities and resources from a new online survey, and from meetings with Native youth and service providers in tribal communities across the country. The report will also examine data on indicators of Native youth success and policies that impact their lives.

The State of Native Youth Report is a resource for partners, students, educators, philanthropists, and new stakeholders who are searching to better understand the challenges faced by Native youth so that they each can be part of the innovative solutions taking place in Indian Country.

Watch the event, including remarks from Secretary Sally Jewell:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePSz0Z55VSU