The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute has announced its 2026 CNAY Fellows, a group of 24 Indigenous leaders ages 18 to 24 committed to creating positive change in their communities.
Representing 36 Tribal Nations and nine states, the Fellows will participate in a culturally grounded curriculum focused on Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, leadership and community advocacy. The program will help participants strengthen their understanding of how sovereignty operates legally, financially and institutionally while preparing them to serve as future decision-makers and Nation builders.
The Fellows will gather on Cahuilla land in Palm Springs before continuing their work through three specialized cohorts.
The Brave Heart program supports Pacific Northwest youth working to protect lands, waterways, sacred sites and food sovereignty. The Remembering Our Sisters program prepares female and femme-identifying youth to advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. The California Native Youth Collective builds a statewide network of Indigenous youth focused on policy and civic engagement.
Throughout the fellowship, participants will receive advocacy training, connect with community leaders and peers, and receive support for youth-led projects. CNAY’s goal is to help each Fellow grow as a confident, culturally grounded and sovereignty-minded leader ready to shape the future of Indian Country.
