Thirteen members of the Tulsa Native Youth Board (TNYB) traveled to the Oklahoma State Capitol to participate in the Oklahoma Council for Indian Education Legislative Day—a powerful opportunity for youth to engage in civic education, advocacy, and cultural connection. The event focused on informing Native students about current legislative issues impacting Indigenous communities, with an emphasis on how those policies affect Native youth.
During the visit, TNYB members met with educators, leaders, and advocates to discuss topics such as Native education funding, cultural preservation, and youth mental health support. They also toured the Oklahoma State Capitol building and museum, gaining a deeper understanding of the state’s political process and the importance of Native representation in government spaces.
This experience supported TNYB’s commitment to mental wellness, as it provided a space for youth to feel empowered, informed, and connected to broader systems of change. By learning how policy shapes their daily lives—and how they can have a voice in that process—members left inspired to continue advocating for their communities.
The Tulsa Native Youth Board’s participation in Legislative Day underscores the importance of creating pathways for Indigenous youth to become informed, confident leaders. When young people are equipped with knowledge and support, they carry the strength of their nations forward into the future.