“Jamie Crowe: Inspiring Leadership and Elevating
Native Youth at the White House Tribal Youth Forum”
“Attending the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum was an extraordinary and important opportunity I took,” said Jamie Crowe, a proud member of the Pueblo of Tesuque and a UNITY Executive Committee representative for the Southwest region. Reflecting on her experience at the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C., Jamie shared how the historic event ignited her passion to lead and inspire Native youth.
“I never in my life would have imagined myself getting to meet with federal officials in Washington, D.C.,” she added. “To be one of the first youth from my tribe to be part of my Executive Committee and to pursue such opportunities inspires me to continue to represent Native youth from home and my region with pride.”
A Historic Platform for Youth Voices
The 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum, cohosted by UNITY Inc., the White House, and the Center for Native American Youth, gathered Native youth leaders from across the country for a day of interactive conversations and roundtable discussions with federal officials and policymakers. This prestigious event provided a unique platform for youth to voice their concerns, share their perspectives, and collaborate on solutions to challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
Jamie, alongside the entire UNITY Executive Committee and many 25 Under 25 honorees, participated in the event, which spanned November 14-17, 2024. The forum highlighted the importance of civic engagement, emphasizing the critical role Native youth play in shaping the future of their communities. “I am so grateful,” Jamie said. “I hope that I am a great leader and want to show youth from my tribe that opportunities like this are beneficial and that they are more than capable of achieving them.”
Leading with Pride and Purpose
Jamie’s involvement in the forum reflects her unwavering commitment to promoting social, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness among Native youth. By representing her tribe and region, she exemplifies UNITY’s mission to empower Native youth through leadership development, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
“As Native youth, we have the responsibility to take these opportunities and turn them into positive change for our communities,” Jamie emphasized. “These experiences show that our voices matter and that we can make a difference.”
Building Connections Across Generations
The forum also provided Jamie and her peers an invaluable opportunity to connect with federal officials, fellow youth leaders, and UNITY mentors. These interactions not only highlighted the collective strength of Native youth but also underscored the importance of intergenerational collaboration in addressing the needs of Indigenous communities.
Jamie reflected on the significance of being surrounded by like-minded leaders: “Meeting other youth from across the country who share the same passion for change was inspiring. It reinforced that we are stronger together.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Through her leadership and involvement with UNITY, Jamie Crowe is paving the way for the next generation of Native youth to embrace their potential and advocate for their communities. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact young leaders can have when they are given a platform to amplify their voices and share their experiences.
Jamie’s journey serves as an inspiration to Native youth everywhere, showing that with determination, representation, and pride in one’s heritage, the possibilities are endless. As she continues to lead with purpose and passion, Jamie Crowe is a shining example of how Native youth shape a brighter future for Indian Country.
