As communities gather to reflect and plan for the future, the importance of civic engagement within Native communities remains ever-present. UNITY’s National 25 Under 25 Honoree Ian Teller, a Diné (Navajo) youth leader from Tsaile, Arizona, exemplifies this commitment through his servant leadership and dedication to uplifting Native youth.(Center for Native American Youth)
In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Ian founded the “When Natives Vote” initiative, aiming to raise awareness and participation among Native voters, particularly within the Navajo Nation. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities in the electoral process, Ian sought to create spaces that combined cultural celebration with civic education.
The initiative hosted two major events: one at Change Labs Entrepreneurship Hub in Tuba City, Arizona, and another at Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico. These gatherings featured live music, food distribution, and panel discussions with Native leaders in politics and grassroots movements. By partnering with organizations responsible for voter registration, the events not only educated attendees but also facilitated immediate action.
Ian’s approach extended beyond in-person events. Leveraging social media platforms, the initiative produced content that resonated widely, with one video reaching over 4 million viewers on TikTok. This digital outreach demonstrated the significant interest in Indigenous perspectives and the power of youth-led movements in shaping public discourse.(Center for Native American Youth)
Reflecting on the experience, Ian shared:
“The When Natives Vote Initiative was an incredible experience! We set out with a goal to increase voting awareness and participation in Native communities, and I believe we were successful. It shows in the content we created, where our highest-performing video garnered an amazing viewership of 4 million TikTok users. This demonstrated the level of interest in Indigenous perspectives in the 2024 election. The experience taught me about just how important the Native Vote is, especially in states like Arizona. It is an experience that raises one’s hope about the growing power Native people have in the United States.”
Ian’s efforts are part of a broader movement to address systemic barriers that have historically disenfranchised Native voters. Challenges such as limited polling locations, language barriers, and non-traditional addressing systems have contributed to lower voter turnout in tribal communities. Initiatives like “When Natives Vote” play a crucial role in empowering Indigenous populations to exercise their rights and have their voices heard.(The Guardian, Change Labs)
As a UNITY 25 Under 25 honoree and a Champion for Change recognized by the Center for Native American Youth, Ian continues to inspire through his dedication to community and cultural preservation. His work serves as a model for how servant leadership and youth engagement can drive meaningful change and uplift Native communities across the nation.(Center for Native American Youth)
For more information on Ian Teller and the “When Natives Vote” initiative, visit Center for Native American Youth and Change Labs.(Change Labs)