Media Mentions

Article, The Cody Enterprise, Wyoming

Native activist will host a Buffalo Feast

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

Champions for Change, Fellows, Blackfeet, Cherokee

Article, Anchorage Daily News, Alaska

Interior reverend, UAF professor honored as Alaska Federation of Natives 2025 awardees

The Anchorage Daily News highlighted the 2025 Alaska Federation of Natives awardees, celebrating Alaska Native leaders and allies advancing community, culture, and youth empowerment. Among the honorees was Champion for Change alum Tayler Tanginiq Higgins, who received AFN’s Lu Young Leadership Award for her continued advocacy for Indigenous youth.

Champions for Change, Fellows, Dena’ina, Suqpiaq, Yup’ik

Article / Interview, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Hownikan

Lynch named Champion for Change

2025 Champion for Change Katie Lynch was recently interviewed by her Tribe about her advocacy journey and experience in CNAY’s Champions program—sharing how she’s working to advance Indigenous access to health care and strengthen Native youth leadership.

Champions for Change, Fellows, Potawatomi Nation

KNBA 90.3, Alaska

Fighting For the Future of Her Community

Each year, CNAY selects five young leaders, ages 14 to 24, who are making a difference in their communities. These “Champs” receive hands-on leadership training and advocacy support to further their impact. Among the 2025 honorees is Maiyuraq (Maiyu) Jones, an Environmental Science student at Western Washington University. Passionate about climate change and environmental justice, Jones has witnessed firsthand how shifting ecosystems are affecting her home in rural Alaska.

Champions for Change, Fellows, Native Village of Unalakleet

Article / Interview, ICT News

Empowering the next generation: 2025 Champions for Change

The Center for Native American Youth has announced its 2025 Champions for Change cohort. The program aims to cultivate future leaders dedicated to enhancing their communities through hands-on training. Three months into the yearlong program, participants began their experience with "Champs Week" in mid-February, held from the 9th to the 14th in Washington, D.C. This event marked their first opportunity to meet one another while also improving their public speaking and advocacy skills on Capitol Hill.

Champions for Change, Fellows

News Roundup, Ka Wai Ola, Hawaii

Ching a Champion of Change | News Brief

Joshua Ching was named a 2025 “Champion for Change” by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute. The 2025 cohort includes five Indigenous youth who are leading impactful change in their communities.

Champions for Change, Fellows, Kanaka Maoli

News Roundup, O'odham Action News, Arizona

Champions for Change Includes O’odham Woman

[p. 14] Lourdes Pereira was named to a 2025 cohort by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute. Pereira is Tohono O’odham and HiaCed O’odham.

Champions for Change launched in 2013 and selects five inspirational young people, age 14 to 24, from across the country. Pereira is 24 and a graduate of Arizona State University. The other four Champs are from Hawai’i, Alaska, Michigan and Oklahoma.

Champions for Change, Fellows, HiaCed O’odham, Tohono O’odham

Article / Interview, OU Daily, Oklahoma

‘Sky’s the limit’: OU student recounts journey of leadership, advocacy for Native American issues

Painter said she applied for Champions for Change because it aligns with her beliefs, values and mission-based approach and reflects her commitment to addressing the challenges Native communities face.

“There has to be spaces carved out for culturally-relevant programs,” Painter said. “To be a part of a program that is rooted in community and what the community believes and what it values.”

Champions for Change, Fellows, Kiowa, Winnebago

Article, Western Washington University, Washington

WWU Student Maiyuraq Nanouk Jones nominated for Governor’s Student Civic Leadership Award

The Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth has named Nanouk Jones a 2025 Champion for Change. The program is a way to uplift young Indigenous peoples’ voices and comes with the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. in February to speak with elected representatives.

Champions for Change, Fellows, Native Village of Unalakleet

Press Release, Anadarko Daily News, Oklahoma

The Anadarko Daily News – January 24, 2025

2025 Champions for Change press release uplifted in full (print edition, confirmed by publisher).

Champions for Change, Fellows