Brave Heart Fellowship
Champions for Change
CA Native Youth Collective
Remembering Our Sisters
Building Communities of Hope
Creative Native
Democracy is IndigenousA movement to connect, engage and provide opportunities and a cross-sector platform for Native youth in California.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: Apply to be a California Native Youth Collective Fellow by March 28!
About the Program
The California Native Youth Collective (CNYC) is a network of youth leaders from across the state eager to hone their leadership skills, amplify their voices, and advocate for their communities at the local, tribal, state and national level. Over the course of a year, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) provides opportunities for Fellows to engage in leadership training, develop interventions to improve outcomes in their communities and provide input on policy.
All applicants, regardless of acceptance, become part of the CNAY network and remain engaged with our community.
Get Involved
Applications for the 2025 California Native Youth Collective (CNYC) are now open!
The yearlong fellowship will begin in May 2025. CNAY is looking for young leaders who have demonstrated commitment to bettering their communities. We invite nominations and self-nominations of young Native leaders (ages 18-24) from California to apply.
10-12 youth will be selected to participate, gaining skills to support their work, connecting with other youth leaders and receiving resources to amplify their platforms.
Completed CNYC Applications are due by March 28, 2025 at 11:59pm EST (8:59pm PST).
Fellows will be informed of their selection for the program by April 4, 2025. Please note the first convening will take place four weeks later.
Eligibility
- Self-identify as a Native or Indigenous
- 18 to 24-years-old*
- Currently reside in California
- Demonstrate commitment to bettering their communities**
**At the start of the Fellowship in May 2025.
*This can be done through a school or in a program, on their reservation or urban community.
Expectations
In addition to receiving a participation stipend, networking and mentoring support, funding for community projects and other opportunities available throughout the year, Fellows are expected to attend two* in-person gatherings:
- A 2-day convening in Los Angeles, CA (Thursday-Friday, May 1-2, 2025)
- A 3-day advocacy training in Washington, DC (Wednesday-Friday, November 12-14, 2025)
*CNAY will cover all travel costs, including hotels, meals and flights.
For questions about CNYC, becoming a Fellow or to partner with CNAY, please contact Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org
We also have a printable PDF flyer available for download to share in your local community!
Learn More
Fellows are required to attend in-person gatherings and have intermittent opportunities for leadership and advocacy training. CNAY provides a participation stipend in addition to covering any cost of travel. Fellows also have the opportunity to receive additional funding for community action projects, and may attend state and national convenings based on availability and areas of interest.
Learn more about the 2024 cohort:
- Center for Native American Youth Announces 2024 California Native Youth Collective Cohort
- Walking With Purpose: Reflections on the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum
Fellow Impact
- The inaugural cohort worked on issues including the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), food sovereignty and creating inclusive college campuses, among others. Many participated in the White House Tribal Youth Summit, the White House Tribal Nations Summit, and a roundtable convening with philanthropic organizations, tribal leadership, congressional offices and federal agencies to discuss support for California Native communities.
- The 2024 cohort convened in Sacramento, where Ambassadors met with leadership from the California Endowment and Assemblymember James Ramos. They also spent time in community where they participated in culturally significant activities, including learning a traditional weaving technique.
- Fellows have also participated in a data sovereignty initiative, analyzing California-specific data from CNAY’s Center Us Survey.
- CNYC provides a platform for Fellows to share their experiences, furthering the narrative and discourse surrounding Indigenous Peoples in California. We encourage Fellows to approach and reframe conversations from a Native perspective, in their own voice, and provide unique opportunities to highlight their efforts through local and national media outlets.
Meet the Fellows
