Governor Dayton to Host “First-in-the-Nation” Tribal Youth Gathering

Gov. Mark Dayton will host what is being called a first-in-the-nation statewide gathering to focus on Native youth, their leadership skills, and community building. The idea is growing out of Generation Indigenous (Gen-I), a federal program launched during the Obama administration.

Dayton has appointed a 22-member Native Youth Steering Committee to guide the event planning. Youth were selected by leaders of Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools Youth Councils.

Native youth (ages 14-24) need to apply to participate in the July 27 gathering. The youth apply by  completing the Gen-I Challenge by June 30. The Challenge is a pledge from Native American youth to make a positive difference in their communities (details below).

Comment: I’m pretty sure tribal youth have been gathering from around the state for generations at Pow Wows and other indigenous-led events that support their leadership and build community. I’m guessing what Dayton means to say is that this is the first time state leaders have convened such a gathering with a goal to listen to Native youth and encourage their good works in the community. Props to Dayton for convening the event.

Here is the media release from Dayton’s office:

Dayton Announces July 27 Minnesota Native Youth Leadership Gathering

Gov. Mark Dayton will host a July 27 gathering to focus on Native youth, their leadership skills, and community building. The idea grows out of Generation Indigenous (Gen-I), a federal program launched during the Obama administration. The gathering will be held at the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus.

According to a media release from the Governor’s office:

The first-in-the-nation state gathering will bring together Native American youth ages 14 to 24, tribal and state leaders, civic and business leaders, and educational organizations to focus on challenges facing Native American youth. The gathering will also recognize and amplify the positive work that Native youth in Minnesota are doing to improve their communities. The gathering will address topics including culture and language revitalization, health, education, history, self-sufficiency and sovereignty, and youth engagement and public leadership development.

Dayton has appointed a 22-member Native Youth Steering Committee to guide event planning. Youth were selected by leaders of Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools Youth Councils.

To participate in the July 27 gathering, Native youth need to complete the Gen-I Challenge by June 30. The Challenge is a pledge from Native American youth to make a positive difference in their communities (details below). Participants will be chosen from among those who finish the challenge.

The full media release from Dayton’s office follows: