Center for Native American Youth Hosts Dialogue Today

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Former Sen. Byron Dorgan

WASHINGTON - Today former US Senator Byron Dorgan, the founder and chairman of the Aspen Institute's Center for Native American Youth will moderate a discussion on issues facing Native American youth.

The event will commemorate November's National Native American Heritage Month, which is youth themed this year. The event, entitled "Historical Journey of Native American Youth", will highlight Native American issues, the challenges facing Native youth and tell the story of Native youth success today.

"We are excited to host a dialogue at the Aspen Institute commemorating Native American Heritage Month. More must be done to raise awareness and bring new people to the table to discuss and develop solutions to the challenges facing young people in Indian Country," said Senator Byron Dorgan.

Kim Teehee

The expert panel will include Kim Teehee, senior policy advisor for Native American Affairs from the White House Domestic Policy Council; and two members from the Center's board of advisors, Allison Binney, partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Dirk Whitebreast, Tribal Secretary of the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa.

Dirk Whitebreast

The panel and Senator Dorgan will discuss the past, present and future of Native youth in the United States. The event aims to educate and incite meaningful discussions on the history of Indian Country, Indian law and influential policy, tribal sovereignty, and other key issues facing Native Americans today. Furthermore, Dirk Whitebreast will share his inspirational story of running 262 miles in an effort to honor his younger sister who took her own life in 2003 and raise awareness to suicide prevention in Indian Country.

The audience will include Indian advocates and tribal organizations, the Aspen Institute constituency, federal agencies, and other local non-Indian specific organizations, as the Center hopes to bring new partners to the conversation.

The "Historical Journey of Native American Youth" will be streamed live online at www.AspenInstitute.org/live (12 noon to 1:30 pm est, Wednesday, November 16). Registration is required.

To RSVP for the event call 202-736-2905.

posted November 16, 2011 6:30 am est