Media Mentions

Video, The Aspen Institute, Washington, DC

WATCH: 2026 Champions for Change Panel Discussion

View the recording of the 2026 Champs' first public speaking engagement as a group.

Champions for Change, Fellows

News Roundup, Tribal Business News

People on the Move in Indian Country

The Aspen Institute promoted Maria Samaniego to managing director of the Center for Native American Youth. Samaniego previously served as associate director of operations and strategic partnerships for the center and as interim executive director from April 2024 to March 2025. Before joining CNAY, she served as acting executive director and senior program manager for the Aspen Institute's Latinos and Society Program.

Staff

Article, Bezos Family Foundation

From Our Partners and Team: Encouraging Trends in the Learning Ecosystem

CNAY Executive Director Tracy Goodluck was quoted in a Bezos Family Foundation partner article highlighting encouraging trends in the learning ecosystem, offering perspective on the importance of civic identity and youth leadership as a foundation for 2026.

Partners, Staff, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin

Press Release, Native Americans in Philanthropy

Native Americans in Philanthropy Announces Third Cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers

Native Americans in Philanthropy Announces their third cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers—ten exceptional young leaders from across Turtle Island who carry with them the wisdom of their communities and the determination of emerging changemakers. Included in the new cohort is 2025 Champion for Change, Katie Lynch, and 2022 Remembering our Sisters Fellow, Evynn Richardson.

Champions for Change, Fellows, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Haliwa-Saponi

Resource, Fox 13 Seattle, Washington

Suicide Prevention Resources

CNAY was included on a newly updated suicide prevention resource list for Indigenous people, recognizing the organization as a trusted source of culturally-responsive mental health and well-being support for Native youth and communities.

Teen Suicide

News Roundup, Native News Online

GivingTuesday: Groups Making a Real Impact in Indian Country

NNO included CNAY in its GivingTuesday list of organizations driving equity, sovereignty and opportunity for Native communities across Indian Country.

Press Release, Native Voices Rising, California

Native Voices Rising grants $4.3 million to 136 Indigenous-led nonprofits

CNAY was among 136 Indigenous-led nonprofits named as 2025 Grantee Partners by NVR, highlighting a shared commitment to Native philanthropy, youth empowerment and Indigenous self-determination.

Partners

Op-ed, The Aspen Institute

Carrying Our Stories Forward: Native Youth Leading with Cultural Strength

CNAY Executive Director Tracy Goodluck contributed a thought leadership piece to the Aspen Institute blog, reflecting on Native American Heritage Month and the power of Native youth leadership rooted in culture, storytelling and intergenerational strength.

Staff, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin

Article, The Cody Enterprise, Wyoming

Native activist will host a Buffalo Feast

Mariah Gladstone was featured for her role as the keynote speaker for the 29th Annual Buffalo Feast, celebrating Indigenous food sovereignty and traditional food systems. The piece highlighted her leadership as founder of Indigikitchen and noted her recognition as a CNAY Champion for Change among her key career accomplishments.

Champions for Change, Fellows, Blackfeet, Cherokee

Op-ed, National Women’s Law Center

DEI Isn’t a Handout. For Some Students, It’s a Lifeline.

Coauthored by 2024 Remembering Our Sisters Fellow Summer Wildbill and Black student activist Mel de Miami, this NWLC piece highlights the importance of DEI initiatives in creating equitable educational opportunities and culturally-informed support for students of color.

Remembering Our Sisters, Fellows, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation