to subscribe to a blog that provides information pertinent to the Native American community go to: http://www.nativenewsnetwork.posthaven.com
Untitled Document
Newsletter MARCH 2014 View the full newsletter as a web page 2014 Champions for Change Visit DC
CNAY welcomed its 2014 Champions for Change to Washington, DC the week of March 10 to be recognized for positive efforts in their tribal or urban Indian communities. On March 11, the Champions participated in a public panel event at the Aspen Institute with over 100 guests in attendance and more watching live via webcast. At the event – co-moderated by Senator Byron Dorgan (ret.) and Sam McCracken, GM of Nike’s N7 Programs – the Champions highlighted youth priorities and challenges in their communities. Video of the event can be found here.
During their time in DC, the young Champions also had meetings with White House advisors, several members of Congress including Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Heidi Heitkamp, and Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chairman Jon Tester. When they weren’t in meetings with policymakers, the Champions were having fun around DC touring the White House and viewing the national monuments at night. The week was a great success and although the Champions have since traveled home, they will stay involved with CNAY as members of our Youth Advisory Board.
Celebrating Our Third Anniversary
CNAY celebrated our third anniversary with an evening reception on March 12. The event was an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments since launching in 2011, honor our 2014 Champions for Change, and recognize those partners and supporters that have made it all possible. Close to 200 guests attended the reception including Associate Attorney General Tony West, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Vice President Dr. Gail Christopher, and Senator Heidi Heitkamp.
Special thanks go to the National Congress of American Indians, Boeing Company, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker LLP, Ietan Consulting LLC, Fredericks Peebles & Morgan LLP, and the N7 Fund for making this special anniversary event possible. We also greatly appreciate the ongoing support and encouragement CNAY receives from tribes, tribal organizations, federal agencies, youth, parents, and many other important stakeholders. We look forward to another successful and productive year!
Washington Post Article on Native Youth Suicide
The Washington Post published a story about the tragedy of youth suicide in Indian Country on March 10, 2014. The story by Sari Horwitz was printed on the front page with beautiful photos from the Gila River Indian Community and highlights CNAY and Senator Dorgan’s commitment to preventing youth suicides in tribal communities. Our team worked closely with the author as a part of our national advocacy efforts to raise awareness of the challenges facing our youngest First Americans, while shining a spotlight on the inspiring Native youth leadership programs like Gila River’s Pee Posh Youth Council, mentioned in the article.
CNAY Updates
Win a jersey signed by Jacoby Ellsbury! CNAY invites you to submit your inspirational story about how your involvement in fitness, physical activity, recreation and sport has changed your life. This video/writing contest is open to all Native American high school and middle school students. Link to apply. Deadline is April 11.
2013 Champion for Change Sarah Schilling and CNAY will present on the organization’s bereavement work March 31-April 2 at NIHB's Public Health Summit in Billings, MT.
On April 11, CNAY will host its 13th Policy and Resource Roundtable at our offices in Washington, DC. The roundtable will be themed "Supportive Native Communities" and will focus on housing, juvenile justice, social services, and law enforcement.
In April, CNAY staff will attend the National Indian Child Welfare Association’s conference in Ft. Lauderdale and present on our ongoing project focused on bereavement and grief as it relates to Native American youth.
The Athlife Foundation announced its search for a 2014 grantee from Indian Country to create programming that utilizes sport as a vehicle for promoting academic achievement and leadership skills development.
Chickasaw Nation youth like Zach Garcia are great examples of strength and positivity in their communities. Visit www.Chickasaw.tv to view their uplifting stories, learn about their outstanding achievements and become inspired by their hard work and dedication.
News Bites
Here are some stories we've been following around the country:
Lacrosse Clinics Teach Culture and Engage Community
Suicide Crisis Continues Among Native Youth on Reservations
‘Promise Zones’ Offer New Hope to Struggling Choctaw Youth
Suicide Prevention Efforts Rise
Troy Eid of Indian Law and Order Commission Blasts Treatment of Alaska Natives at Conference
Suicide Prevention Training for More Healthcare Providers Passes Senate (Washington)
Talking Points: Senator Heitkamp Discusses Native Issues
Arizona Educators Praise Early-Childhood Program for Native Americans
Navajo Tech Launches Food Truck to Schools
Teen Suicide Prevention Bill Stalls (Arizona)
PC Prodigies: ANSEP Students Build Their Own Computers
Cheyenne River Youth Project Promotes Health, Sovereignty With Organic Gardening Programs
Sequoyah Students Start Anti-Bullying Initiative
Primary Sources: What Promotes Resilience Among Alaska Native Youth?
Youth suicide bill passes Senate (Oregon)
About the Center
Founded by former US Senator Byron Dorgan, the Center is a policy program within the Aspen Institute, headquartered in Washington, DC. While a part of The Aspen Institute, the Center is also overseen by a Board of Advisors. The goal of the Center is to bring greater national attention to the issues facing Native American youth, and to foster solutions, with special emphasis on youth suicide prevention. How you can help.
Home | About | Our Work | Resources | Youth Voices | Media Gallery | What's New | Contact Us
Copyright © 2011. All Rights Reserved. The Center for Native American Youth
