Native Youth Shine at Inaugural Rising Generations Summit

written by CNAY Program Coordinator Samantha Hintz (Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) with support from 2025 Remembering Our Sisters Fellow Carrie Johnson (Chickasaw & Pawnee)

As of this Spring, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) has officially joined the new Center for Rising Generations (CRG) at the Aspen Institute.

CRG’s mission is to “make sure that the voices of young people are heard, that their ideas are amplified, and that they have the opportunity to lead on the topics that matter the most.” We are thrilled to be part of this collaborative journey and to further our goal of uplifting Native youth in new and exciting ways.

Well in line with its mission, CRG’s kickoff event – the inaugural Rising Generations Summit – put youth voices front and center. Four Native youth from across Indian Country traveled to Washington, DC for the Summit as ambassadors for CNAY and their home communities. Brave Heart Fellow Alexio Lira (Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians) and Remembering Our Sisters Fellows Jori Cowley (Cherokee & Shawnee), Carrie Johnson (Chickasaw & Pawnee) and Jaden Shirley (Navajo) were among 60 ambassadors who served as mentors and guides to 125 youth leaders throughout the Summit and beyond.

Launching the morning on a high note, Jori spoke at the opening session for all attendees, sharing the impact her family, community and heritage have had on her leadership journey. With her bright energy and captivating storytelling, Jori brought all the ambassadors, youth delegates and adults in the room into her world, and set the tone for an inspiring day ahead.

Throughout the day, attendees split into breakout rooms, each with specific themes and topics designed to bring together different perspectives, develop skills and share knowledge. Carrie spoke on the Changemakers Panel about her work in filmmaking and how it has paired with her advocacy journey. Excited to be a representative at the Summit, Carrie reflects: “being on stage in my ribbon skirt made me feel special – not just for myself, but the fact that I was carrying all my lessons and teachers and family on my shoulders.”

Outside of their time in session, youth had the opportunity to build community with one another and explore Washington, DC. From seeing monuments, to sharing meals around the city, this Summit served as a place for friendships to grow and fellowship to be found. Carrie’s biggest take away was “how genuine and authentic relationships can truly empower youth. Lifting one another up, laughing with each other and listening to shared ideas and problems creates an opportunity to take steps we are all entirely capable of taking.”

Thank you to the Center for Rising Generations for highlighting these incredible leaders, as well as inviting CNAY to be a part of your inaugural Summit! We look forward to many more opportunities for “collaboration, inclusivity and youth empowerment.”

You can learn more about the 2025 Rising Generations Summit below!