Established in 1997, the NCAI Youth Commission has been a space for tribal youth to come together and discuss solutions to the unique challenges they face within their communities. The youth commission has served as a space for Indian Country’s young people to stand together, empowered, to inform Indian country’s greater decisions regarding the future. Youth Commission members have often informed NCAI’s general membership on various issues, informing key advocacy decisions. The youth commissioners also provide leadership development opportunities and provides a forum for national native youth networking.
Mission
We, the National Congress of American Indian Youth, unite to serve our peoples concerns and interests by enhancing the spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being of tribal youth for a better Native America.
Purpose
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Youth Commission is designed specifically for college and high school students ages 16-23 with an interest in political science, tribal government and Native American legislative and governmental affairs.
The Youth Commission provides a unique perspective on issues relevant to tribal youth. It is to be a resource to NCAI and Tribal Leaders. It is an opportunity to acquire knowledge from NCAI and Tribal Leaders about the organizational processes of NCAI and structure of Tribal Politics. The Commission also serves to enhance leadership skills and cultivate those we may have obtained prior. Most importantly the NCAI Youth Commission is a mechanism for achieving a unified voice for ALL Native American and Alaskan Native youth.
Youth Commission Officers
|
Name
|
Youth Commission
Title |
Tribe
|
|
Kristen Sally Dosela
|
Co-President
|
Gila River Indian
Community |
|
Jared Massey
|
Co-President
|
White Mountain
Apache |
|
Jaymee Moore
|
Co-Vice President
|
Colorado River
Indian Tribe |
|
Chad Martinez
|
Co-Vice President
|
Tohono O'odham
Nation |
|
W. Alex Wesaw
|
Treasurer
|
Pokagon Band of
Potawatomi Indians |
|
Jarred Winchester
|
Secretary
|
Pokagon Band of
Potawatomi Indians |
|
Skyler Bourdon
|
Member-At-Large
|
Ho-Chunk Nation
|
|
David Colbert
|
Member-At-Large
|
Muscogee (Creek)
Nation |
|
Alyssa Garcia
|
Member-At-Large
|
Ak-Chin Indian
Community |
|
Jalea Walker
|
Member-At-Large
|
Smith River Rancheria
|
Youth Sponsorship
NCAI's Youth Commission continues to seek sponsorship to assist with their financial needs. Sponsorships goes towards the funding of our luncheons, receptions, Youth Track Meetings and scholarships. Any donations will be greatly appreciated!
Support the Youth Commission
If you are interested in donating to the NCAI Youth Commission, please contact our office or mail contributions to:
National Congress of American Indians
NCAI Youth Commission
1516 P Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 466-7767
Fax: (202) 466-7797