Media Mentions

Article, Daily Republic

Survey looks to amplify voice, experiences of indigenous peoples

The Center for Native American Youth and the Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity Center have created the RISE Indigenous Voices Survey 2025.

"This survey is more than just a collection of responses. It is a platform for native youth and adults to share their stories, challenges and aspirations,” Katy Stewart, programs manager at CNAY, said in the statement.

Research & Data, Staff

Press Release, Red Lake Nation News

Empowering Native Voices in a Pivotal Moment: Survey Helps Communities Share Their Stories and Inform Policy

Research & Data

Article, Marin Independent Journal, California

In Your Town | Student honored by Indigenous center

The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute has selected a Novato resident for its 2025 Brave Heart Fellowship program. Lotte Whistling Bird Kizer plans to work on habitat restoration for native wildlife, the center said.

Brave Heart Fellowship, Fellows, Choctaw Nation, Washoe Tribe of Lake Tahoe

Article / Interview, OU Daily, Oklahoma

‘Sky’s the limit’: OU student recounts journey of leadership, advocacy for Native American issues

Painter said she applied for Champions for Change because it aligns with her beliefs, values and mission-based approach and reflects her commitment to addressing the challenges Native communities face.

“There has to be spaces carved out for culturally-relevant programs,” Painter said. “To be a part of a program that is rooted in community and what the community believes and what it values.”

Champions for Change, Fellows, Kiowa, Winnebago

Press Release, Red Lake Nation News

2025 Brave Heart Fellowship Uplifts Native Youth Fighting Climate Change

Brave Heart Fellowship, Fellows

Article, Times Standard, California

Hoopa youth named Brave Heart Fellow

The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute has announced the third cohort of the Brave Heart Fellowship...

One of the recipients is Danielle Frank (Hupa & Yurok) of Hoopa, who plans to study the impact of large-scale hydroelectric projects.

Brave Heart Fellowship, Fellows, Hupa, Yurok

Article, Western Washington University, Washington

WWU Student Maiyuraq Nanouk Jones nominated for Governor’s Student Civic Leadership Award

The Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth has named Nanouk Jones a 2025 Champion for Change. The program is a way to uplift young Indigenous peoples’ voices and comes with the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. in February to speak with elected representatives.

Champions for Change, Fellows, Native Village of Unalakleet

Press Release, Copper River Country Journal, Alaska

Lakota McRoberts Named A 2025 Brave Heart Fellow

Brave Heart Fellowship, Fellows, Ahtna Athabaskan

Press Release, Anadarko Daily News, Oklahoma

The Anadarko Daily News – January 24, 2025

2025 Champions for Change press release uplifted in full (print edition, confirmed by publisher).

Champions for Change, Fellows

Article, Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology, California

Young leaders are united by a desire to improve their communities

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) has announced that in response to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles and Southern California, which is home to the largest urban Native population in the U.S., CNAY is offering five $1,000 micro-grants to Native youth (ages 18-24) who want to help rebuild their community.

Champions for Change, Democracy is Indigenous, Fellows, Youth