Former Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) announced the board of advisors for the Center for Native American Youth.

Dorgan started the center at the Aspen Institute. It will focus on the health, safety and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

"Native American youth are the most at-risk population in the United States," Dorgan said in a press release. "Rates of teen suicide on Indian reservations is nearly quadruple the national average. Some tribal communities experience serious issues with substance abuse, gangs targeting Native children, and schools that are not up to standard. We need to find ways to let these children know they are not alone. They too can have hope for a better future."

Dorgan will chair the board, whose members are: David Anderson, Allison Binney, Tom Brokaw, Lucy Calautti, Jacoby Ellsbury, Pam Gulleson, Phil Jackson, Hattie Kauffman, Jefferson Keel, Sam McCracken, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, retired Sen. Gordon Smith, Patty Talahongva and W. Richard West.

The youth board members are Megan Gregory, Dana Lee Jetty and Coloradas Mangas.

Get the Story:
Press Release: Dorgan Announces Board of Advisors for Center for Native American Youth (Center for Native American Youth 5/15)

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