Center for Native American Youth

Center for Native American Youth Dedicated to improving the health, safety and overall well-being of Native American youth through communication, policy development, and advocacy.
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We are a national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth — ages 24 and under — on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being.

When we say “we want to hear from LGBTQIA2S+ students,” we mean all LGBTQIA2S+ students.We especially want to ensure the...
08/03/2026

When we say “we want to hear from LGBTQIA2S+ students,” we mean all LGBTQIA2S+ students.

We especially want to ensure the survey reflects students whose voices are often overlooked, including students of color, trans and nonbinary students, disabled students, and youth in rural communities.

If this describes you—or someone you know—please take ’s National School Climate Survey or share it today: glisten.org/nscs27

A message from 2026 Champion for Change Kaylah Toves recognizing Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day
07/31/2026

A message from 2026 Champion for Change Kaylah Toves recognizing Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day

Over the last week Team CNAY attended the Dartmouth Tribal Leadership Academy in Hanover New, Hampshire. On day one Exec...
07/31/2026

Over the last week Team CNAY attended the Dartmouth Tribal Leadership Academy in Hanover New, Hampshire. On day one Executive Director Tracy Canard-Goodluck co-presented alongside chairman of the Mashentucket Pequot Tribal Nation Rodney Butler on the topic of intergovernmental relations.

We also welcome the newest addition to Team CNAY: Rhett Williams of the United Houma Nation. Rhett will be joining the team in part with the Dartmouth Tribal Services and Solutions Project Fellowship. Rhett will assist in the development and implementation of an upcoming initiative aimed at preparing the next generation of tribal leaders. We are so excited to have you Rhett!!

Our time here at the Dartmouth Leadership Academy has been nothing short of inspirational. We are so excited to take these new ideas to our strategic planning retreat next week!

07/29/2026

Applications are now open for The Wildlife Society’s Native Student Professional Development Program!

This program supports Indigenous wildlife professionals by providing mentorship and professional opportunities for Native American and First Nations students pursuing careers in wildlife sciences.

Eligibility:
🐾 Member of a Native American, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous Tribe with political or legal recognition, or individuals who are actively engaged with Indigenous-led organizations (e.g., Native Hawaiian Organizations or Alaska Native Corporations).
🐾 Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a relevant academic discipline. Display a record of academic excellence.
🐾 Students within 6 months of graduation are eligible.

The application deadline is August 15th, 2026. To apply, visit https://forms.gle/bQoh91r7PXPcKC78A

Please email any questions about the program or application process to Steelle Scearce at [email protected]

On July 23, 2026, CNAY took part in an important dialogue about Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act—legislat...
07/27/2026

On July 23, 2026, CNAY took part in an important dialogue about Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act—legislation aimed at improving the health, safety, education, and overall well-being of Native children, youth, and families.

Thank you to CNAY Fellows and Alumni Ignacio Taylor (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes), Kaylah Toves (Kanaka Maoli & Acoma Pueblo), Tayler Higgins (Yup’ik & Dena’ina, Suqpiaq) and Zianne Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi) for sharing your perspective and experience. Your voices are powerful and your stories impactful. Your involvement in yesterday's activities are a reminder that youth always deserve to be in these spaces.

“Tribal nations understand the needs of their own communities.” — Ignacio Taylor 2025 California Native Youth Collective Fellow

“Native education is something we must continue to defend. Our children deserve better than uncertainty.” — Kaylah Toves, 2026 Champion for Change

“Native children do not experience these issues separately. We don’t want to just inherit the future—we’re already shaping it.” — Tayler Higgins , 2026 Youth Advisory Board Secretary & 2024 Champion for Change

Democracy is Indigenous Organizer Spotlight 🔹 🌟 🧡 Autumn McMillan (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians) 2023 CNAY Remem...
07/25/2026

Democracy is Indigenous Organizer Spotlight 🔹 🌟 🧡 Autumn McMillan (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians) 2023 CNAY Remembering Our Sisters Fellow

This month, we're highlighting in all its forms. Other than voting, here's what civic action can look like: In 2024, Autumn worked with students to host a stickball tournament on campus to spread cultural awareness among students.

Voting materials were provided at the tournament and discussions were had about the importance of registering to vote. Autumn decided to integrate stickball as a tool to spread awareness to increase representation of Native culture on East Central Community College’s campus.

More than 30 students participated in the stickball tournament and several students registered to vote.

Interested in completing a community project like this? CNAY has micro grants to fund it! 🔹 🌟 🧡

Indigenous communities continue to show that their voices matter at every level of government. From protecting land and ...
07/24/2026

Indigenous communities continue to show that their voices matter at every level of government. From protecting land and resources to shaping policies that impact health, education, and future generations, every vote carries weight.

Staying informed and participating in the electoral process is one of the most powerful ways to drive change.

Midterm General Elections are coming up. Make a plan to vote. Encourage your community. Be part of the movement.

07/22/2026

Good Afternoon OBSN Family! We are excited to announce an upcoming opportunity open for enrolled OBSN Tribal Members (18+). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to save a life.

Date: September 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: OBSN Tribal Center

4902 Dailey Store Rd Burlington, NC 27217

Who Can Attend: Enrolled OBSN Tribal Members (18 and over)

Workshop Capacity: 12 participants

Elders who would like to participate may also register by calling the OBSN Tribal Center at 336-421-1317.

Once the available spots are filled, additional submissions will be placed on a waitlist.

INCOMPLETE REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

For any additional questions, please reach out to [email protected]

https://forms.gle/XLZG9ELzSPPbqPvn9

07/22/2026

📍 UNITY Conference 50th Anniversary

What does civic engagement mean to you?

We asked youth to share their definition, and their answers remind us that civic engagement is more than voting.

Everyone has a role to play, and young voices matter in shaping the future.

🔹 🧡 🌟

Drop your definition of civic engagement in the comments.

Address

2300 N Street, NW
Washington D.C., DC
20037

Telephone

+12027362905

Website

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