Erik Stegman: Next president must maintain focus on Native youth

The election is finally here. During a campaign season full of vitriolic rhetoric and disheartening debates about the future of our country, many of us have found ways to survive it by focusing on the positive things happening that give us real hope for a brighter future. For me, that’s Generation Indigenous (Gen-I). Over 5,000 Native youth across the country have answered President Obama’s call to take positive action in their communities—and it’s growing. Gen-I youth have been working to tackle the suicide epidemic, develop language programs, bring traditional and healthy foods back to their food systems, and increase physical activity and wellness, to name only a few. You can see all of these pledges on the Gen-I National Youth Network map.

Gen-I is no longer just an initiative—it’s a movement.

Not only have Gen-I youth been taking initiative in their communities, but they’ve been connecting with other youth, inspiring one another, and raising local and national awareness about their priorities and their role in building a strong future for Indian country. During this year’s annual White House Tribal Nations conference and Youth Gathering, one message became clear when youth delegates were asked what they wanted to share with the next President: we hope they will continue the commitment to Native youth in the White House.