Center for Native America Youth Launches Champions for Change Initiative Today

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Byron Dorgan, the founder and chairman of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, will moderate a panel discussion to commemorate November's National Native American Heritage Month and announce the launch of a new initiative - Champions for Change. The local DC Native community, supporters of Indian country, and new stakeholders will join the event titled, "Celebrating Native Voices: Native Youth - Our Future, Our Inspiration."

Journalist Patty Talahongva, Hopi, will Discuss
Native Youth Policy Priorities

“The Center is excited to play a role in raising awareness of the inspirational Native youth and positive stories in Indian country. We hope this event helps to generate more attention and resources to support Native youth,”

says Erin Bailey, the Center's director.

The Center's new Champions for Change program, a spin-off of a White House initiative, will be announced at the event. Champions for Change will recognize and encourage inspirational Native American youth working in their tribal or urban Indian Communities to promote hope and make a positive impact. Native youth will be invited to apply for the program and five finalists will be selected to serve on a new youth advisory board at the Center. These Champions will be recognized by Senator Dorgan and the Center at a Spring 2013 recognition event in Washington DC. Young Native leaders can visitChampions for Change to learn more about the Champions for Change program and application process.

“I have met remarkable young Native Americans in Indian country and the Champions for Change program will allow us to celebrate the work they are doing to make a positive difference in the lives of others,”

remarked Senator Dorgan.

“Native American youth are doing inspiring things and setting positive examples for others to follow. At the Center for Native American Youth, we want to engage and encourage these young leaders.”

The event will be structured as a panel discussion, continuing the dialogue on Native youth policy priorities, and exploring the inspirational contributions Native youth are making in their communities.

The panel will include Patty Talahongva, Hopi, Center board member and producer/ journalist in Phoenix;
Teressa "Tessa" Baldwin, Alaska Native youth who founded Hope4Alaska; and
WhiteSun Yazzie, Native American youth and student council president from Pine Hill High School on the Ramah Navajo Reservation, New Mexico.

WHAT:
"Celebrating Native Voices: Native Youth - Our Future, Our Inspiration."

WHEN:
Monday, November 19
12 Noon to 1:30 pm, est

WHERE:
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036

posted November 19, 2012 9:40 am est