The Emerging Leaders have been actively working to empower youth and create meaningful change in their communities. Over the past few months, they have engaged in leadership development, policy discussions, and cultural initiatives to further their mission of uplifting the next generation.
Youth Leadership in Action
In January, the Emerging Leader Youth Advisory Council met in Fairbanks to discuss key initiatives, including Resolution 2024-25, which focuses on developing a youth-driven, culturally relevant drug prevention curriculum. The council collaborated with the Wellness and Prevention Division to explore ways to integrate traditional knowledge into this curriculum, incorporating land-based learning, elder-youth sitting circles, and community-driven initiatives. Their goal is to create a curriculum that reflects the cultural values of their communities while addressing the challenges faced by today’s youth.
National Engagement
In February, several Emerging Leaders attended the UNITY Mid-Year Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) is a national organization dedicated to promoting personal growth, leadership, and civic engagement among Native youth. The conference provided an opportunity for young leaders to connect with peers, share ideas, and gain new skills to bring back to their communities.
Bridging Generations Through Storytelling
Looking ahead, the Emerging Leaders are working on an exciting new initiative. Natalie Newman presented a proposal to create a podcast that would provide a platform for youth and Elders to engage in dialogue on critical community topics such as hunting and fishing, cultural preservation, mental health, and more. This project stems from their strategic plan developed last fall and aims to strengthen intergenerational connections while amplifying youth voices.
Through leadership development, cultural initiatives, and community-driven projects, the Emerging Leaders continue to be a driving force in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.