Brave Heart Fellowship
Champions for Change
CA Native Youth Collective
Remembering Our Sisters
Building Communities of Hope
Creative Native
Democracy is IndigenousCreating transformation through advocacy, resilience and culture
About the Program
Building Communities of Hope (BCOH) is a Fellowship designed for Native youth (ages 18-24) who have lived experience in and/or are passionate about transforming the foster care system.
BCOH Fellows raise awareness and advocate on the impacts of foster care for tribal peoples. The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) provides a culturally-competent, Indigenous-led curriculum, featuring a series of intensive trainings, a national platform, speaking opportunities and engagements to enhance leadership and advocacy skills.
Understanding the complexities of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and how it functions today is of paramount importance, as it provides baseline protections for Indigenous children within the system. This collaborative initiative equips Fellows to advocate for changes at the local, tribal, state and national levels.
Get Involved
BCOH Fellows understand first-hand the unique life journey of people who lived in foster care or out of the home of their primary caregivers. We value this perspective and expertise as we collectively push for better protections of our children. Lasting transformation only occurs when Native youth voices are welcomed and heard.
Learn about the current BCOH Fellows: Meet the 2023/2024 Building Communities of Hope Fellows
To learn more about this Fellowship, contact Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org
Meet the Fellows
