Ernie Steven Jr. Joins Board of Center for Native American Youth

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – Former US Senator Byron Dorgan announced Monday that Ernie Stevens, Jr. agreed to serve on the board of advisors for the Center for Native American Youth. Stevens is the Chairman and national spokesman for the National Indian Gaming Association.

Ernie Stevens Jr - Oneida
Tribe of Wisconsin

He is also a former councilman for the Oneida Nation and former First Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians. Stevens is a well-respected champion for young people in Indian Country, having served on boards for the National Indian Child Welfare Association, Boys and Girls Clubs and The Nike N7 Fund.

“Ernie is a longtime leader for Indian Country and a passionate champion of Indian youth,”

said Senator Dorgan, chairman of the Center for Native American Youth.

“I am grateful for the partnership Ernie has already shown the Center for Native American Youth and look forward to continuing to work with him.”

The Center for Native American Youth was created by Senator Dorgan who was Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs from 2007-2011. Dorgan donated $1 million of excess campaign funds in February 2011 to establish the organization, which is housed at the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC.

“I am honored to join Senator Dorgan in this effort to improve the lives of young people”

remarked Ernie Stevens, Jr.

“Preparing Native American youth for their leadership responsibilities now and in the immediate future is a priority.”

The organization works to shine a spotlight on challenges and successes facing young American Indians and drive new resources to priority issues, including teen suicide prevention, ending substance abuse, and improving educational opportunities. The Center has worked to develop meaningful partnerships with tribal leaders, parents and children.

Stevens will join other prominent board members Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel, president of the National Congress of American Indians; Jacoby Ellsbury, center fielder for the Boston Red Sox; Lisa Murkowski, US Senator; as well as three Native American youth members from tribal communities in North Dakota, Alaska and New Mexico. A full list of the Board of Advisors members is provided below. Former Senator Byron Dorgan chairs the board.

The Center for Native American Youth is dedicated to improving the health, safety and overall well-being of Native American youth through communication, policy development and advocacy. Founded by former US Senator Byron Dorgan in February 2011, the Center is a policy program within the Aspen Institute, headquartered in Washington DC. The Center works to strengthen and create new connections, as well as exchange resources and best practices that address the challenges facing Native youth. Visit the Center's website for a comprehensive list of resources available to young Native Americans, tribes and the general public. For more information, visit www.cnay.org

The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events. The Institute is based in Washington DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It also has an international network of partners.

posted July 10, 2012 8:57 am edt