Media Advisory: Bridging Generations, Building Action

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
February 5, 2025

CONTACT
Jamie Levitt, (412) 580-5696
jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org

MEDIA ADVISORY: Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute to Honor Indigenous Youth Leaders in Washington, DC

Washington – On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute will host a public event – Bridging Generations, Building Action – celebrating the 2025 Champions for Change, five remarkable Native youth who are leading impactful change within their communities.

The 2025 class joins the decade-strong Champions for Change (“Champs”) program, including more than 50 active alumni. This year’s Champs reflect the diverse cultures, bright futures and overall resiliency of the Indigenous Peoples of the United States. Their focus areas include increased access to justice resources in Native communities; improving Indigenous healthcare systems; environmental rights; tribal recognition; and art, literacy and cultural representation.

Co-hosted with National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Youth Commission, this public reception falls during the NCAI Winter Session, attended by Tribal leaders and influential community members from across Indian Country. In addition to a panel discussion with the 2025 Champs, the event will also feature an open mic session led by NCAI and a keynote from Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), who is being recognized by CNAY as an honorary Champion for Change. 

EVENT DATE: Tuesday, February 11, 2025

EVENT TIME: 6:30 – 8:30PM EST

LOCATION: The Westin Downtown DC
999 9th Street NW, Washington DC | Anacostia Ballroom D&E

SPEAKERS: Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS)

2025 Champions for Change

  • Joshua Ching, Native Hawaiian
  • Maiyuraq (Maiyu) Nanouk Jones, Native Village of Unalakleet 
  • Katie Lynch, Citizen Potawatomi Nation
  • Lily Painter, Kiowa/Winnebago
  • Lourdes Pereira, Hia-Ced O’odham/Tohono O’odham

NCAI Youth Council Leadership & Other Native Youth Leaders

Members of the media interested in attending the event should contact Jamie Levitt at jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org.

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About CNAY: The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national 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. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. Learn more: www.cnay.org