The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute is proud to release Center Us: The State of Native Youth. This report celebrates and honors Native youth and the issues they care about. “Center Us is a reminder to our relatives, partners, and stakeholders to value the voices of Native American youth,” shared Executive Director, Nikki Pitre. “In order to create a more free, just, and equitable society, we must include Native youth, they deserve to be centered.”
Center Us serves as a space for Native youth truths, and stories. It is our hope with this intentional space, we can collectively heal and transform, together. The 2022 SNYR highlights the following Native youth truths and stories:
- Indigenous Framework
- Transforming Systems & Redefining Hope
- Our Land, Our Connections
- Social Media & Technology
- Arts & Society
From Native youth authors to Native youth artists, the 2022 State of Native Youth Report is a reflection of the work of CNAY, and the future we desire to build collectively. Creative Native, Chelysa Ownes-Cyr (Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux, Pasqua First Nations Plains Cree & Saultea) is the featured cover artist of Center Us. The art is her interpretation of the prompt that focuses on identity and being centered.
CNAY is proud to present the 2022 State of Native Youth Report as a resource and roadmap to help decrease barriers and increase opportunities for Native youth. If you are interested in ways to help these amazing young leaders or have questions about the report, please reach out to CNAYinfo@aspeninstitute.org.