Native American Issues

Champions come from tribal and urban Indian communities throughout the country and, despite their youth, bring a wealth of experience as change agents on the ground.

Champions come from tribal and urban Indian communities throughout the country and, despite their youth, bring a wealth of experience as change agents on the ground.

Let’s all turn the Standing Rock moment into a transformation of a new public narrative about who we are.

My great grandfather wasn’t allowed to vote. The real reason? He was Native American.

With more than 560 federally recognized tribes, the ability of the Native American vote to influence Congressional change cannot be questioned. However, there are barriers to Native voter turnout, including the common belief among tribal communities that voting for officials outside Native American nations does not matter. President Barack Obama's Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) initiative, coupled with the work of Native youth leaders like Jason Chavez, works to change Native voter perceptions by empowering and educating tribal nations on the importance of their vote.

Enacted nearly four decades ago, the Indian Child Welfare Act went a long way to prevent the unnecessary breakup of Native families. Now is not the time to roll back the law's protections.

If we want Native youth to survive and thrive, we should invest in tribal colleges and universities. They teach their students and communities to honor the past, live well in the present, and lead their people toward a better future.

To ensure no Native youth are left behind, we must invest in a range of programs: Everything from financial assistance to something as simple as helping a Native student complete a college application. By investing in Native youth, we empower them to be successful Native professionals.

At a recent convening at the White House co-hosted by the Aspen Institute Center for Native American Youth (CNAY), first lady Michelle Obama acknowledged the issues Native youth face.