Native News Online, in partnership with the Center for Native American Youth, invited Native youth ages 18–24 to share their voices through the National Native Youth Essay Contest.
The contest theme, “America 250: A Republic Built on Native Land,” asked Native youth to reflect on the meaning of 1776, the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, tribal sovereignty, and the history many Americans were never taught in school.
Participants were encouraged to write original essays that challenge, reframe, or expand the national conversation around America’s history through a Native lens. Essays could explore whether July 4, 2026, should be commemorated, mourned, or reframed, and what it means to recognize that the United States was built on Native land.
Three winning essays will be selected by impartial judges from across Indian Country and published by Native News Online during the week of July 1, 2026. Winners will also receive monetary prizes sponsored by CNAY.
Prize awards include:
First Place: $300
Second Place: $200
Third Place: $100
The extended deadline for submissions was May 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT, and submissions are now closed.
This contest provided an important platform for Native youth to speak truth, share perspective, and help shape how America understands its past, present, and future.
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Location: National
Eligibility: Native youth ages 18–24
