Native youth participate in the 2014 National UNITY Conference in Oregon from June 28-July 2. Photo from UNITY
The Native Nations Institute is conducting an online survey of Native youth who live away from their communities:
Jennifer Schultz and Stephanie Rainie are asking 18- to 29-year-olds from Indian Country to share information about their off-reservation lives. They work at the Native Nations Institute at the UA. The institute's projects aim to study tribal governance and share adaptable models of success among various tribes. They chose the topic of study after hearing tribal leaders express an interest, Rainie said. “Trying to engage those citizens and seek their input and have them be viable, active members in the community, even when they’re gone is something that a lot of tribal leaders have been thinking about,” she said. People in the age range the two hope to hear from are making important decisions, and will shape the future of their native nations, Schultz said. “The period between the ages of 18 and 29 is really important for identity formation, for making choices about life partners, for making choices about jobs, for choosing where you’re going to live, ultimately," she said. More than 50 percent of the country’s native population does not live on reservations, Schultz said.Get the Story:
Study Evaluates Young Native Adults' Connection to Tribal Lands (Arizona Public Media 7/16)
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