Fort Peck Youth Summit: A Celebration of Empowerment and Wellness

The 3rd annual Fort Peck Youth Summit, held June 13-14, 2024 at the Thundering Buffalo Health & Wellness Center in Poplar, MT, was a remarkable event focused on celebrating local Native youth. Hosted by Fort Peck Tribes Health Promotion Disease Prevention (HPDP), the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) and Nike N7, the two-day Summit centered on mental, physical and cultural wellness. Inspiring speakers from across Indian Country came together to uplift and motivate nearly 200 registered attendees.

Day 1 of the Summit kicked off with an opening prayer from Kenny Smoker (Fort Peck Tribes), director of the Fort Peck Tribes HPDP. Prairie Blount (Fort Peck Sioux Tribe), Executive Director of American Indian Business Leaders, followed with a warm welcome. She introduced the Summit team and first speaker, Hunter Azure – a professional mixed martial artist from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Interviewed by Gavin G., a senior at Poplar High School, Hunter shared his journey to success, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal and professional life:

“Stay true to yourself. The bigger the dream, the bigger the sacrifice.” 

The day continued with an icebreaker led by the CNAY team, featuring a competitive game with cash prizes.

Up next was University of Montana President Seth Bodnar. He began by asking the youth in attendance whether they planned on attending college, encouraging everyone to raise their hands. Bodnar then engaged the audience in an interactive discussion about the significance of higher education. Interviewed by Cammie M., a junior at Poplar High School, Bodnar shared a rousing message:

“College can unlock the power in you. It unlocks the superpower you all have.”

Later, EmceeOne (Osage/Potawatami/Delaware) – the official DJ for N7 who provided music and entertainment throughout the Summit – moderated the Fort Peck College Athlete Spotlight. During this spotlight, he interviewed college athletes Jazmyn Carry Water, Ethan Blount, Jazmin Gorder and Jewel Olson. They shared their experiences and challenges they face as student-athletes, offering valuable insights into balancing academic and athletic responsibilities.

After lunch, the Alaska Native Heritage Center showcased various traditional games of the Alaskan Native peoples. Youth champions Peter G. and Colton P. captivated the audience with fascinating demonstrations, keeping the energy high.

Next, Justin Jacob Louis (Samson Cree Nation), Creative Director and Founder of SECTION 35 from Treaty 6 territory in Alberta, Canada, addressed the youth. He shared his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting how he blends inspiration from the past with present-day influences.

The day concluded with a panel featuring NEXT Level Athletes Lakota Beatty (Caddo Nation of Oklahoma), Richard Dionne (Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes) and Jaci McCormack (Nez Perce), moderated by Troy Justice, Vice President of International Basketball Development at the NBA. The panelists shared their experiences growing up in tribal communities and becoming collegiate and professional athletes.

A community meet-and-greet followed, leading into a basketball clinic led by McCormack, Justice and other professionals who taught the youth new skills and drills.

Day 2 began with a community walk led by Hunter Azure. Community members and youth reflected on their Summit experiences and expressed eagerness for the day ahead. Following the walk, Shannon Martell (Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes) and Richard Dionne opened the day with a prayer and gratitude exercise, setting a positive tone.

Kathy Baird (Sicangu Lakota and Oneida), Chief Communications Officer at The Washington Post, then shared her journey from the Rosebud Reservation to a professional in Washington, DC. Interviewed by Tahnee Poafpybitty (Comanche Nation), Baird regaled attendees with her story of overcoming challenges and following dreams.

After the interview, youth participated in a Dream Wall activity, writing or drawing their aspirations on sticky notes. A video from Sharice Davids and Amber Midthunder further encouraged the youth, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big.

Sam McCracken, a member of the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes from Northeastern Montana’s Fort Peck Indian Reservation and General Manager of Nike’s N7 programs, closed the Summit with words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and dedication. He expressed his solidarity, having grown up in the Fort Peck territory himself. McCracken offered words of encouragement, urging the youth to pursue their dreams and overcome any challenges they may encounter in life, school and their professional careers. McCracken surprised the youth with Nike N7 backpacks, hoodies, t-shirts and Nike Dunks, bringing cheers of excitement.

The Summit concluded with a Nike N7 Junior Golf Experience in Wolf Point. Youth rotated through skill stations, accompanied by music from DJ EmceeOne, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere where youth felt comfortable to engage their peers, express themselves and chase their dreams.

The Fort Peck Native Youth Summit exemplifies hope, inspiration and empowerment for Indigenous communities. By investing in Native youth and respecting their unique perspectives, the Summit fosters an environment where they can strive for greatness and shape a more inclusive future. Initiatives like this celebrate diversity, uplift Indigenous voices and pave the way for a promising and successful future.