NAYA Takes the #Gen-I Challenge

Executive director Matt Morton, Squaxin Island, meets with Jodi Gillette, Standing Rock Sioux, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, White House Domestic Policy Council.

Executive Director Matt Morton, Squaxin Island, is in Washington D.C., meeting with leaders from across the Native American community of the US through his involvement with Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), a program that connects indigenous people to strengthen our leadership and self-determination. AIO connected with Jodi Gillette, Standing Rock Sioux, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, White House Domestic Policy Council, who has served for the last three years in improving government-to-government relationships between sovereign nations and the White House.

The leaders convened to discuss #GenerationIndigenous, or #Gen-I, a new initiative which challenges Native youth, and organizations which serve Native youth, to join the National Native Youth Network, a White House effort in partnership with the Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

President Obama launched the Gen-I Initiative at the 2014 White House Tribal Nations Conference to focus on improving the lives of Native youth by removing the barriers that stand between Native youth and their opportunity to succeed. Through new investments and increased engagement, this initiative takes a comprehensive, culturally appropriate approach to ensure all young Native people can reach their full potential.

Organizations like NAYA play a powerful role in making sure our youth thrive despite common obstacles. We are proud to take the #Gen-I challenge by serving a comprehensive range of Youth and Education Services, such as Youth Educational Advocacy, College and Career services, Sunrise EAST Youth Career Skills Developments, Culture Nights, Family Nights, sports and recreational programs, summer and spring break camps, Parent Involvement, Gang Prevention and Outreach, Teen Dating Violence Prevention, Alcohol & Drug Intervention, Recovery Transition, Tutoring, and other special programs that strengthen the mental, emotional, spiritual and social health of our community youth. Students from our Early College Academy will be supported in mentoring and tutoring younger Native American youth in our after-school program. Youth will also be supported in leading a youth-driven event called the Healthy Break Up Summit at the end of April which will teach the importance of healthy, respectful communication honoring indigenous core values within relationships.

You can help make sure Portland Native youth are supported in their success: donate to NAYA today.