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National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission Accepting Applications
Friday, November 6, 2020
Source: National Congress of American Indians

NCAI Youth Commission Application

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is now accepting applications for the NCAI Youth Commission.

The purpose of the Youth Commission is to:

Function as a working body within NCAI as a collective Native youth voice; Establish and provide youth input into all areas relating to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth;

• Serve as a resource to tribal leaders, the NCAI Executive Committee, and other stakeholders when engaging with AI/AN youth;

• Work alongside tribal leaders, the NCAI Executive Committee, and other interested stakeholders in the strengthening of pre-existing positive examples and the development of solutions to challenges facing AI/AN youth;

• Collaborate with tribal leaders, the NCAI Executive Committee, and other interested stakeholders in the creation of workshops, conference events, resolutions, white papers, red papers, policy memos, and online content, addressing AI/AN youth in NCAI forums;

• Serve as positive role models of strong character and leadership to AI/AN youth throughout Indian Country;

• Learn and understand the organizational processes of NCAI; and

• Understand the interactions of tribal leadership and inter-tribal relations regarding policy development, advocacy for sovereignty, treaty rights, governance, and AI/AN rights.

To be eligible for the NCAI Youth Commission, you must:

• Virtually attend the NCAI 77th Annual Convention & Marketplace this year;

• Be between the ages of 16 and 22 on the date of election;

• Submit an application for your desired NCAI Youth Commission position no less than seven days prior to the first day of the Annual Convention & Marketplace;

• Participate in a panel interview with two current or former tribal leaders, a leader of a national Native non-profit, and a former NCAI Youth Commission Officer; and

• Present a three- to five-minute speech on a policy platform.

If elected, a candidate will serve on the NCAI Youth Commission for two years.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2020

NCAI Contact: Dr. Christine Panther, Youth Project Manager, cpanther@ncai.org.