Center for Native American Youth Director Receives National Impact Award

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – Erin Bailey, director of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, was awarded a National Impact Award from the National Indian Health Board at the NIHB 2012 Annual Awards Gala. The Gala, held during the 29th NIHB Annual Consumer Conference, honored colleagues and friends whose outstanding service, sacrifice, dedication, and vision has greatly advanced the health of Native Americans.

Erin Bailey with Program Associate Josie
Raphaelito Display Award

“I am absolutely honored and humbled to be recognized with this award. Any success I or the Center for Native American Youth has achieved is a result of our strong partnerships with tribal leaders and organizations like the NIHB and its Board of Directors,”

commented Erin Bailey.

Erin Bailey received this award on behalf of the Center's efforts to reach out and improve the lives of Native American youth throughout the country. She was also recognized for her role as the lead staffer for Indian Health Care Improvement Act when it was passed as a part of health care reform in 2010, under then-chairman Senator Byron Dorgan on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in the 110th and 111th Congresses.

“I am proud of Erin's work on Indian health issues while staffing me in the Senate, and I am pleased to have her running our program at the Center for Native American Youth,”

said former US Senator Byron Dorgan.

The Center launched in early 2011 when Senator Dorgan donated $1 million of leftover campaign funds and hired Erin Bailey to start the new organization. Since its launch the Center has actively reached out to Indian country as well as built a national policy program. To date, the Center has led over 40 outreach events and roundtable conversations with Native youth in 12 different states from over 100 different tribes.

posted October 2, 2012 6:57 am edt