Center for Native American Youth

10/06/2026

🏆 Need more time to apply to be a 2027 Champion for Change? You’ve got it!

We’ve extended the application deadline to Thursday, October 15. ⏰💙

Submit your application here: https://www.cnay.org/champions-for-change/

10/02/2026

The experiences of Indigenous youth often aren’t part of the mental health research. 🧠 This is your chance to change that! Take the survey and get $10! If you are 13-24 and in the US, share your experience with mental health and tell your story.

This confidential mental health survey takes less than 30 minutes and helps researchers understand youth mental health. Your answers help shape support for others!

Survey 🔗https://bit.ly/4AHdyWC

10/01/2026

The countdown is ON! Applications for the 2027 Champions for Change cohort close on Tuesday, October 6. 🗓️

Have you reached out to your recommenders?

🩵 Now is the time to follow up with the people who know your leadership, your commitment & the impact you hope to make. Give your recommenders time to write a thoughtful letter by reaching out today.

Your application also includes a series of short essay questions, so don’t wait until the deadline to begin preparing your materials.📝

Click the link for more info 🔗 https://www.cnay.org/champions-for-change/

09/29/2026

🎨 2026 Creative Native Call for Art 🧑‍🎨

This year we want to see art inspired by What does an Indigenous Future look like you

Imagine an Indigenous future shaped by your hopes, knowledge, and creativity. Perhaps it’s thriving waterways, harvests of traditional foods, or communities where Indigenous languages are heard and celebrated every day. However you envision it, we invite you to share it through art.💙

Creative Native is a call for art that supports young, Indigenous Artists ages 5-24 by providing the oppurtunity for national recognition and awards up to $1,000.💸

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59pm EST on December 20,2026. More information and the link to submit can be found here 🔗 https://www.cnay.org/creative-native/

09/29/2026

🌎 Where in the World is CNAY?

After a jam packed summer of celebration & new connection, we are so excited to enter this harvest season with gratitude a new perspectives.

🌟 Want to join us? Follow along as we share highlights from each stop. If you are near by we would love to connect! 🔗

Featured art by 2025 Creative Native Artist Rulan H. (Chiricahua-Warm Springs Apache, Comanche & Seminole)

09/26/2026

⏰ Two weeks left to apply!

Applications for the 2027 Champions for Change cohort close on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

🏆 If you’re ready to grow your leadership, deepen your impact, and join a community committed to meaningful change, now is the time to submit your application.

Applicants will complete a series of short essay questions and submit two letters of recommendation.📝

Don’t wait until the deadline 🔹 start gathering your materials today.

Click the link to get started https://www.cnay.org/champions-for-change/

09/17/2026

In a recent blog, 2026 Champion for Change Zianne Richardson reflects on her experience as a CNAY intern in 2022 and shares the full-circle moment she had just minutes before taking the stage to speak on a public panel.

Her story is a reminder that youth voices, experiences, and advocacy can create meaningful change.

Do you have an issue, cause, or platform you are passionate about? If there is something you believe needs more attention, representation, or action, consider applying to become a Champion for Change 🏆

Applications close October 6.

Read Ziannes’s full story and find the application requirements on our website cnay.org

09/15/2026

So proud of our Champ Moses 🏆💙

🏆 Congratulations to Moses Marr'aq Wiseman of Chefornak, recipient of the 2026 AVCP Youth Leadership Award! 🎉

Moses is a dedicated advocate for Alaska Native communities, language access, cultural preservation, and education. Through leadership, service, and mentorship, he continues to create opportunities that empower future generations while remaining deeply connected to Yup'ik culture and values.

His commitment to community, culture, and lifelong learning makes him an inspiring example for young people across our region and beyond.

Quyana, Moses, for your leadership and dedication to our people. 💙
👍 Like, comment, and follow to meet more of our 2026 AVCP Award Winners!

09/15/2026

Aiyana Suarez, 2026–2027 Miss North Carolina Native American Youth Organization (NCNAYO) Princess

We are pleased to announce Democracy is Indigenous recipient, Aiyana Suarez, serving as the 2026–2027 Miss NCNAYO Princess, will be distributing gardens to tribal communities and urban organizations throughout the region.

This initiative is a core focus of her platform, Rooted & Rising, which advances Indigenous food sovereignty, honors traditional agricultural knowledge, and expands access to fresh, sustainable foods for native families and community groups.Pictured is Aiyana, Miss NCNAYO, presenting a Tower Garden to the Coharie Tribe at the Coharie Powwow 9-12-2026.

A Tower Garden is the best indoor hydroponic garden system for homes, schools, and families. Vertical gardening for everyone. Grow fresh food indoors or outdoors. No Digging. No Weeding.

Upcoming Distribution & Event Outreach
Guilford Native American Association Annual Pow Wow (Greensboro, NC) — Sept 18–20, 2026
Lumbee Tribe Dance of the Harvest Moon Powwow (Maxton, NC) — Sept 25–27, 2026
Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation Powwow (Burlington, NC) — Oct 10–11, 2026
Waccamaw Siouan Powwow (Bolton, NC) — Oct 16–17, 2026

09/14/2026

Champions for Change applications are open! If you’re passionate about creating meaningful change, this is your chance to get involved and make an impact.

Apply today or share this post with someone who sounds like they could be a champion. Applications close October 6th!

Get started here https://www.cnay.org/champions-for-change/