ASPEN INSTITUTE’S CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & SENATOR BYRON DORGAN AWARD FIVE NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH LEADERS |
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The Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) will announce its second class of Champions for Change, a youth leadership program inspired by a White House initiative. These five youth, ranging from 16 to 23 years old, from Indian tribes from Washington to Oklahoma, are being honored for making a positive impact in Native communities. |
The Aspen Instituteis an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It also has offices in New York City and an international network of partners. For more information, visitwww.aspeninstitute.org. Elizabeth Burns, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Age: 18
Hometown: Claremore, Oklahoma _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ![]()
"I have been told that my dream of helping other Native youth is ridiculous and that I should give up. I realized that negative comments won’t hold me back. I will make my dream a reality."
Danielle Finn, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Age: 23 Hometown: Bismarck, North Dakota _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ![]()
"Donating time to work with Native youth, no matter how much or how little, is still time that could make a huge difference."
William Lucero, Lummi Nation Age: 17 Hometown: Ferndale, Washington _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ![]()
"It's time for smokers to quit for their families, our community,
and future generations." Keith Martinez, Oglala Lakota Sioux Age: 20 Hometown: Pine Ridge, South Dakota _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ![]() "I want to see today’s youth go out into the world, motivate others, and gain an education
to make a true difference in their communities." Lauren McLester-Davis, Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin Age: 16 Hometown: De Pere, Wisconsin _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ![]() "Learning to read is critical to a child’s success both in school and in life. I believe children’s
literacy is the most critical priority for Native youth today." ### |