The Red Lake Nation Youth Council was honored to participate in the 2024 Minnesota Tribal-State Relations Training, held at the Oshkiimahjitahdah Event Center in Redby. With more than 50 participants in attendance, including representatives from state departments such as the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Commerce, and Department of Human Services, the training serves as a platform to educate state employees about the history, governance, and culture of Minnesota’s tribal nations.
This marks the second consecutive year that members of the Red Lake Nation Youth Council were invited by the Tribal Council to present at the event. During their presentation, youth council members spoke about the origin and mission of the Red Lake Nation Youth Council, their ongoing work within the community, and the broader significance of youth councils in Indigenous communities.
They also introduced attendees to UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth), giving a brief history of the national network and explaining how UNITY supports the development of strong, culturally grounded youth leaders across Indian Country.
The youth’s involvement in the training emphasized the importance of youth voice in cross-governmental understanding and partnership. By participating in discussions typically led by adults, the Red Lake Nation Youth Council demonstrated that Native youth are not only the future—they are also active contributors to the present.
Their presence and insights highlighted the role youth councils play in community wellness, leadership development, and intergenerational knowledge sharing, reinforcing the value of social wellness across tribal and state systems.