Former Sen. Dorgan to start Center for Native American Youth

Monday, February 28, 2011  

Former Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) will announce the launch of the Center for Native American Youth today in Washington, D.C.

The center, a new program at the Aspen Institute, will focus on the health, safety and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Dorgan in particular plans to address high rates of suicide among young Native Americans.

“I created the Center for Native American Youth because I believe our country has a responsibility to keep the promises we have made to the First Americans,” Dorgan, the former chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said in a press release. “And we must start with the young people, many of whom are struggling to find opportunities to improve their lives

Following a presentation at the National Congress of American Indians winter session, Dorgan will discuss his efforts this afternoon at the Aspen Institute. He'll be joined by NCAI President Jefferson Keel, Indian Health Service Director Yvette Roubideaux, Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk and Administration for Native Americans Commissioner Lillian Sparks.

Later this evening, Dorgan will host a reception at the National Museum of the American Indian. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana) and Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Michigan) are expected to attend.