From November 13th to 16th, Fresh Tracks took a delegation of 11 Native youth leaders to Washington, D.C., for the White House Tribal Youth Forum. The event, held on November 15th, brought together Indigenous youth and federal leaders to engage in critical discussions about policies and challenges affecting Native communities, including mental health, climate change, and food sovereignty – issues that resonate deeply with young people across the nation.

As a 25-year-old Native young woman, supporting these 11 incredible youth leaders at this event was both humbling and inspiring. While I wasn’t in direct conversations with policymakers, I witnessed the passion, joy, and solutions that young people bring to the spaces they enter. It reminded me how important it is to create spaces where young people can connect, speak their truths, and tell their stories. 

I’ve been fortunate to participate in youth programming throughout my journey and now lead youth programming here at Fresh Tracks. Supporting these leaders served as a reminder that advocacy isn’t always about being in the spotlight; sometimes, it’s about creating pathways for others to shine. Even in a time of growing challenges and a shifting political landscape, this year’s forum highlighted the importance of Native youth voices. Grounded in cultural strength and lived experience, these voices are more essential than ever.

For the 2024 forum, Fresh Tracks collaborated with partner organizations to form a joint delegation, showcasing representation from the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, Arctic Youth Ambassador Program, Native Youth Grantmakers (Native Americans in Philanthropy), Laguna Community Foundation, and the Fresh Tracks Trainers Team. This joint delegation highlighted the power of partnerships in creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to lead and advocate for their communities on a national level.

The week began with a visit to the Department of the Interior, where the delegation had the honor of meeting National Park Service Director Chuck Sams—the first Indigenous person to hold this role. This meeting provided an opportunity for youth to learn from Director Sams’ leadership journey and discuss the importance of Native representation at the highest levels of government. It was a day filled with storytelling, cultural exchange, and reflections on the shared responsibility to uplift Indigenous voices in shaping national policies.

Day of the Forum
The Tribal Youth Forum itself was a dynamic day filled with panels, roundtables, and cultural connections. Youth leaders participated in conversations on topics around mental health, food sovereignty, and traditional foods. Federal leaders participated in these dialogues, gaining insights into the perspectives and solutions offered by the young leaders. 

One of my key takeaways from the forum was recognizing that while young people are central to creating solutions, it is not solely their responsibility to drive change. Transformation happens through collaboration. When young people are provided with resources, opportunities, mentorship, and the support to lead—and when others know when to take a step back—it builds the foundation for meaningful change.

This sentiment echoed in the advice shared by one of the leaders, Stella Beerman:

“Important to connect with people every opportunity you have. If you have the opportunity to meet people, like at the White House Youth Forum, or to sit with federal agents, then definitely take it and talk to them about what’s important to you. It seems like we are in a time and place where they are listening right now.” – Stella Beerman

The forum also celebrated Indigenous culture through events like a Native youth fashion show, round-table cultural exchanges, and a closing round dance. These moments of cultural expression not only brought joy and connection but also reaffirmed the central role of culture in healing and leadership.

“It’s important to show up in these spaces in order to show people that you are there and that you are taking up space. No matter what the outcome or what happens in the future, you will always be there, and the future is in good hands.” – Pearson Denny

The Fresh Tracks delegation’s participation in the White House Tribal Youth Forum highlighted the vital role of Native youth leadership in shaping a better future. Through powerful storytelling, cultural connection, and candid dialogues with federal leaders it reinforced the value of why it’s important to center Indigenous voices in national conversations.

As the forum concluded, one thing was clear: the future is brighter when the voices of Native youth are heard, their lived experiences are respected and valued as knowledge, and their solutions are acted upon.