Every day, Native youth and communities demonstrate the ability to thrive and persevere despite historical, structural and institutional inequities. Native youth have shown that they are invested in a better future – not just for Native people, but for all Americans. By working in partnership, funders believe that we will see Native communities make great strides in healing, restoration, and advancement of our greatest resource – our youth.

The Schott Foundation for Public Education, in partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy, with support from Nike N7, recently released a set of recommendations for helping Native youth live healthy lives. These recommendations came directly from Native American leaders who hold expertise across health, physical fitness, education and youth development sectors. The report, Original Instructions, outlines both challenges and opportunities to philanthropy. It’s a first step towards using our resources to recognize and learn from the resilient Native youth.

We had a dynamic conversation about the report recommendations and a challenge to philanthropy with nationally-recognized Native advocates, grantmakers, and researchers.

Our speakers included:

• Sarah Eagle Heart, CEO, Native Americans in Philanthropy
• Erik Stegman, Executive Director, Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute
• Michael Yellow Bird, MSW, PhD, Director, Tribal and Indigenous Peoples Studies program at North Dakota State University
• Edgar Villanueva, Vice President of Programs & Advocacy, Schott Foundation for Public Education (moderator)