The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) has announced the 2026 Fellows.
The co-hort of two dozen aspiring Native leaders, ages 18-24, will convene on Cahuilla land in Palm Springs, Calif., later this month.
The Fellows’ shared curriculum focuses on sovereignty and self-determination. Designed for Native youth who aspire to serve their Tribal Nations as future leaders, decision-makers, and Nation builders, sessions will focus on building a practical understanding of sovereignty not just as a concept, but as it operates in real life – legally, financially, and institutionally.
The 2026 CNAY Fellows represent 36 Tribes and nine states.
The Fellowship will be divided into three distinct cohorts, each focused on a different issue area.
The Brave Heart program provides pathways for Pacific Northwest youth to enhance their skills as protectors of our lands, waterways, and sacred sites, and stewards for food sovereignty. This year’s cohort includes Amaria Rosado, Christina Kaltsukis, Hilary Penfield, Isabella Haakanson, Jeamilett Martinez, Kailani Sirois, and Toipureenah Orozco. Learn more:
The Remembering Our Sisters program illuminates opportunities for female & femme-identifying youth passionate about advocating and raising awareness for the MMIP epidemic. This year’s cohort includes Belle Brings Plenty, Kaya Dickson, Nichole Beatty, Phoenix Thomas, Precious Cook, Sadie Hill Kelley, and Sunny Wahquahboshkuk. Learn more:
The California Native Youth Collective creates a policy advocacy network and cross-sector platform for Indigenous youth in California. This year’s cohort includes Alejandra Davila, Alexio Lira, David Felipe, Jaeden Wesley, Kateri Azure, Lauren Reyes, Metzli Lemus, Payton McCoy, Reg Macarro, and Tiana Uriarte.
“Our team is so excited to welcome this class of CNAY Fellows! We feel honored to experience their passion, witness their collaboration, and share in their cultural celebration,” said CNAY Executive Director Tracy Canard Goodluck (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin & Mvskoke Creek). “While Fellows come from all different backgrounds and hold different skill sets, it brings me hope to know that they are united by their determination to shape the future of Indian Country.”