Center Us: Native Youth Survey Report

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute released a report detailing survey results of nearly one thousand Native youth on their needs and priorities across issues that matter most to them. This survey was built and disseminated by Native youth leaders who worked in partnership with CNAY staff to practice and build capacity for Indigenous-led research and Indigenous research methodologies designed to preserve culture and identity. Through focus group conversations, the following priorities and needs for Native youth emerged: access to higher education, reclamation and preservation of culture, civic engagement in tribal and U.S. federal/state/local elections, and equitable access to resources in their communities. Native youth also discussed the impact of overpolicing on reservations, sharing that it is “hard to feel safe” when surrounded by tribal, state, local, and federal police forces. Instead, Native youth expressed their needs around culturally competent services, affordable education, and cultural resources and opportunities. This resource offers key insights on what Native youth prioritize as pressing issues and what they need to thrive to guide youth defenders in their advocacy of Native youth in juvenile court.