NorthWestern Region

Faith Iukes, 14, Tulalip, Washington

School: Sophomore, Penn Foster

Platform: Organizing a collaborative diabetes prevention program with the local YMCA in Marysville, WA. The program will feature fitness and nutrition workshops designed to promote diabetes prevention, including exercise classes and cooking demonstrations tailored to healthy eating. Community members will be encouraged to participate actively in these sessions to foster a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, partnering with healthcare professionals will enable the provision of screenings and informational sessions on diabetes management. This initiative aims to create a supportive environment for those at risk of diabetes, leveraging the YMCA’s resources and community outreach to enhance overall well-being.

Gabriel Jurado, 19, Siletz, Oregon

School: Junior, Oregon State University; Major: Oceanography; Minor: Marine Biology

Platform: I plan to organize a youth council activity to learn traditional food gathering practices, either along the coast to collect mussels or at a camas plot. This initiative aims to preserve and pass on essential knowledge from our elders about gathering and preparing traditional foods, which is at risk of being lost as elders age. To facilitate this, I will collaborate with the female co-president to schedule a gathering in November and work with our culture and elders departments for guidance and preparation. The project will start with outreach to these departments in July to handle logistics and secure shellfish licenses for up to 30 youth. Following the gathering, we will return to the Siletz community center for a lesson on preparing the food from elders and host a community meal to share the food collected. I will lead the project, sharing responsibilities with the co-president and seeking additional help as needed.

Sophia Turning Robe, 21, Spokane/Siksika, Washington

School: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (2024), Whitworth University

Platform: As a Native American student at a university with a small Native population, I am initiating the Indigenous Futures Collective to address the challenges of cultural disconnection and isolation. This club will unite Native youth from local schools to foster community, pride, and academic support. Activities will include academic tutoring, cultural workshops on traditional practices, community service projects, and peer support sessions. My role will involve overseeing the planning and execution of these activities, recruiting volunteers, securing resources, and evaluating the club’s impact through ongoing feedback and assessment.