The North Carolina Native American Youth Organization (NCNAYO) hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Youth Leadership Conference at North Carolina State University, bringing together 297 Indigenous youth from across the state for a transformative weekend focused on leadership, cultural identity, and community wellness.
Organized by NCNAYO’s youth advisory committee, the conference centered around the UNITY pillar of Social Wellness, offering a dynamic mix of workshops, general assemblies, and cultural activities. Participants explored critical topics such as Indigenous agriculture practices, art as a form of activism, and the unique histories of North Carolina’s tribal nations. These sessions encouraged youth to strengthen their sense of identity while developing practical skills for advocacy and leadership.
The conference also featured vibrant expressions of culture, including traditional powwow dancing and drumming, which allowed attendees to deepen their connections to their heritage and to each other. By creating space for cultural celebration and peer learning, the event fostered strong relationships and a shared sense of purpose among youth from a wide range of tribal backgrounds.
Throughout the weekend, Indigenous youth were given the tools, inspiration, and confidence needed to return home as stronger leaders and advocates for their communities. The NCNAYO Youth Leadership Conference continues to be a vital space for nurturing the next generation of culturally grounded Native leaders in North Carolina.