Western Region

Elise Lamas, 19, Tohono O’odham, Arizona

School: Diploma, Copper Canyon High School (2024); Enlistment, U.S. Navy

Platform: The project aims to address the issue of sexual harassment and assault within Native communities, highlighting its often-ignored and taboo status. It will involve a series of workshops, both online and in-person, beginning with a respectful and safe environment disclaimer. Participants will be informed of the sensitive nature of the topic and encouraged to leave if uncomfortable, while ensuring that discussions remain confidential. The workshops will feature introductions, a PowerPoint presentation on the connections between sexual assault and broader social issues such as MMIP, human trafficking, and substance abuse, and a discussion on community-specific challenges and strategies for change. Breakout sessions will generate ideas for improving dialogue about sexual harassment and assault, followed by sharing of resources and tools tailored for Native communities. The project will be executed over 4 to 6 months. Evaluation will focus on relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. My role will involve observing, evaluating, and contributing a youth perspective on the topic.

Evelyn Enos, 19, Akimel O’odham/Tohono O’odham, Arizona

School: Sophomore, Arizona State University; Major: Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior); Minor: American Indian Studies and Psychology

Platform: I plan to conduct a four-month series of writing workshops to develop the writing skills of Native youth in my area, with the goal of compiling their finished works into a published novel dedicated to their contributions. This project aims to give the youth a platform to showcase their talents and impact literature. Collaboration with Labriola at the ASU Hayden Library will provide valuable guidance, while involving my youth council will support both this writing initiative and an additional project to teach and design traditional attire, blending cultural education with creative skills.

Gabriella Nakai, 17, Choctaw/Navajo, Arizona

School: 1st year student, Stanford University; Major: Earth Systems (Environmental Science and Policy)

Platform: I propose launching a yoga-focused podcast to promote environmental and personal wellness among Native youth. This initiative will blend guided yoga sessions with lessons on growth, resilience, and environmental stewardship, making wellness education accessible and engaging. As a 200-hour certified yoga instructor, I will lead the podcast, creating content that encourages physical health and environmental consciousness. The project aims to develop over a few months, with its impact assessed through podcast analytics and social media engagement, ultimately fostering a generation of youth who are both physically grounded and spiritually uplifted.

Ian Teller, 23, Navajo, Arizona

School: Master’s Degree in Music Industry (2022), University of Southern California; Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (2021), Fort Lewis College

Platform: I am working on a project with CNAY’s Democracy’s Indigenous program aimed at boosting voter awareness and participation among the Navajo community for the 2024 election. Our strategy involves creating a social media campaign that features interviews with Navajo and Native individuals to generate interest and educate voters. This initiative targets young Navajo voters aged 18 to 24 across the 110 chapters of the Navajo Nation, as well as non-Native individuals interested in Native perspectives. By leveraging social media, we seek to bridge communication gaps in rural areas and engage with a broad audience, aiming for significant viewership and interaction. The project will progress through production, filming, and editing phases, with content released leading up to the November 2024 primaries.

Laney Marie Lupe, 23, White Mountain Apache, Arizona

School: Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Sports Science (2023), Park University

Platform: The “N’dee Strong Youth Summer Sports Camp” aims to address high rates of diabetes and obesity in the community by offering a free, multi-sport camp for youth aged 8-18. Hosted at the Mighty Falcon’s sports complex, the camp will feature a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse, with activities tailored for different skill levels. The program will include health education booths, motivational talks from local athletes, tribal members, and elders, and will reward participants with a shirt and water bottle. Planning for the camp will start 5-8 months in advance, covering logistics such as space usage, registration, and volunteer coordination. The event will be evaluated based on past community sports camps and its effectiveness in engaging youth. The project’s success will be enhanced by learning from previous organizers, ensuring a well-managed and impactful camp.

Precious Vicente, 24, Akimel O’odham/Hopi, Arizona

Career: Interpretive Ranger, National Park Service (Casa Grande Ruins)

Platform: I am planning a Culture Day at Casa Grande Ruins to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage, with a focus on the O’odham community. This event will feature a guided tour of the park, a social dance with community singers in our pollinator garden, and traditional O’odham gambling games in the park’s movie theater. Over three months, I will coordinate all aspects of the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly and all logistical needs, such as seating and setup, are met. This initiative aims to honor our cultural connections and engage the community through meaningful activities.

Samantha Eddy, 22, Navajo, Arizona

School: Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Studies; Minor in American Indian Studies (2023), University of Utah

Platform: I plan to undertake an oral history project to document the stories of Diné individuals regarding the construction of male and female hogan structures and related rituals. This project aims to preserve and return these narratives to the community, allowing them to own and share their cultural heritage. The estimated budget will cover travel, honorariums, recording equipment, food, and car rentals. The project is expected to span one or two academic semesters to allow adequate time for community engagement and research. In this project, I would serve as the principal investigator, overseeing the collection and analysis of oral histories.

Steve Harvey, 22, San Carlos Apache, Arizona

School: Sophomore, University of Arizona; Major: Sociology; Minor: Psychology

Platform: I am organizing a one-week outdoor program to support Native youth transitioning out of foster care. The program will offer a culturally immersive experience with a focus on healing and personal growth, featuring sessions on internal transformation, community engagement, and societal change. Scheduled from August 19–25, the activities will include academic support, cultural workshops, and community service, all designed to help participants address trauma, build resilience, and connect with their identity and community.

Talon Watchman, 14, Navajo, Arizona

School: Senior, Chaparral High School

Platform: I am creating the Young Indigenous Entrepreneurs Foundation to support young aspiring entrepreneurs by offering education and resources. The foundation will feature a laboratory equipped for developing business prototypes, providing practical experience and support for innovative ideas. The project aims to foster entrepreneurial skills and opportunities for Indigenous youth, with a construction timeline of approximately one year. As the Founder, I will also serve on the board of directors to ensure the foundation stays true to its mission and vision.