California Native Youth Collective

A movement to connect, engage and provide opportunities and a cross-sector platform for Native youth in California.

About the Program

The California Native Youth Collective (CNYC) is a network of youth leaders (ages 18-24) 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.

Learn More

Learn more about the 2025 cohort: Indigenous Youth Leaders Advocate for a Stronger California

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.

Questions about CNYC, becoming a Fellow or partnering with CNAY? Please contact Programs Manager Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org

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.

First Nations Ojibwe-Cree
Alejandra Gomez is an Indigenous/Chicana woman who advocates to uplift the voices, experiences and wisdom of young Black, Indigenous and…
Cherokee Nation
Anagali (Shace) Duncan (he/him) is a passionate environmental activist and advocate for education equity, currently pursuing studies in Critical Studies…
Diné & Guatemalan
Angelina Diaz is a Diné (Navajo) and Guatemalan woman, who was born and raised in Inglewood, CA. She currently resides…
Pinoleville Pomo Nation
Angelina Hinojosa (she/her) is an enrolled member of the Pinoleville Pomo Nation and dedicated youth leader, currently residing on traditional…
Big Sandy Rancheria
Ashley Davis (she/her) is an enrolled Tribal Member from Big Sandy Rancheria in Central California, currently studying Tribal Governance and…
Coahuiltecan & Quechua
Ayacaxtli Galvin-Torrez (she/her) is a college undergrad who works in youth/community outreach for Indigenous Justice in Sacramento, CA. To really…
North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California
Munahuu iiNaniyan Bella Garcia! Hello, my name is Bella Garcia!  Bella Garcia (she/her) is an enrolled citizen of North Fork…
Navajo
Camryn Redmond (she/her) is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. She is pursing a B.A. in Economics with a…
Round Valley Indian Tribe
Carmen Davila (she/her) grew up on the Round Valley Indian Tribes Reservation, located in Northern California. Her affiliations are both…
Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians
Citlaly Hailie-Patricia Ortega (she/her) is a citizen of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. She is a full-time student…
Hoopa, CA
Hupa & Yurok
Danielle is a Hupa and Yurok Native. She has been deeply involved in the cultural and political aspects of her…
Federated Tribes of Graton Rancheria
Dante Martinez, 21-years-old, is Coast Miwok from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and attends Santa Rosa Junior College. During…
Siksika
Emoni Durham (she/her) is a first year college student who works as a program assistant for Native Sisters Circle in…
Huichol
Ethan Molina (they/them) is a queer, Indigenous – Chicano activist from San Fernando Valley. Ethan started organizing in middle school…
Round Valley Indian Tribe
Gerald Britton III (he/him) is from the Round Valley Indian Tribes in Northern California. He is currently an enrolled student…