#NativeYouth, register to vote!
#NativeYouth, Reasons to Stay In School
Be A Modern Day Warrior (NARF Poster)
INSPIRE Pre-College Summer Program
Program dates: June 30-July 19, 2019
The INSPIRE Pre-College Program is a full scholarship open to Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian rising junior and senior high school students, including 2019 anticipated graduates, who want to spend 3-weeks on the George Washington University (GW) campus to learn about intergovernmental relations between tribal governments and the federal government. READ MORE
#NativeYouth, be courageous!
The Legacy of INSPIRATION
Anita Old Bull Bigman (Crow) - Veteran & Tribal Administrator for Bishop Paiute
Rev. John Norwood, Councilman and Principal Judge of Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape
Frank Ettawageshik, Executive Director of United Tribes of Michigan
Billy Frank, Jr., Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
Anita Old Bull Bigman (Crow) - Veteran & Tribal Administrator for Bishop Paiute
Anita Old Bull-Bigman is a citizen of the Crow Nation (Apsaalooke) and serves as the tribal administrator for the Bishop Paiute Tribe in California. As a veteran, she has made a career in tribal government and enjoys policy development. While she discusses some challenges of starting a career, she encourages students to speak their minds in a respectful way and to be apart of the new dynamic change of tribal government.
Rev. John Norwood, Councilman and Principal Judge of Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape
Rev. John Norwood, also known as Kelekpethakomaxkw (Smiling Thunderbear), serves as a councilman and the principal judge for the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, a tribe recognized by the state of New Jersey. During the INSPIRE interview, Rev. Norwood speaks about what it means to serve in tribal leadership and be an active tribal citizen. He discusses how his tribal leader inspired and guided his path into public service. He believes Native youth should stay in school to gain skills and training that can be reinvested into their communities.
Frank Ettawageshik, Executive Director of United Tribes of Michigan
Frank Ettawageshik, executive director of the United Tribes of Michigan, is a citizen and former Chairman of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. During his interview, he encourages students to rely on the traditions of their tribes to guide their lives and advises Native youth to prepare themselves for unexpected opportunities. In addition to defending tribal rights and promoting intergovernmental relations, he relies on his years of experience to develop leadership trainings and program for Native leaders.
Billy Frank, Jr., Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
Billy Frank, Jr., Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, is a member of the Nisqually Tribe located in Washington State. At 82 years old, he has spent a lifetime successfully defending indigenous rights. As a INSPIRE Storyteller, he encourages Native youth to pursue higher education. He expresses his positive outlook on the next generation's ability to assume leadership to continue defending treaty rights and natural resources.
Be INSPIRED by Native Youth
Mike Fisher, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan - NAPLP Alumnus 2011
Marcus Grignon, Menominee - NAPLP Alumnus 2009
Jesus Fraire, Tohono O'odham - NAPLP Alumnus 2012
Heath Clayton, Chickasaw - NAPLP Alumnus Spring 2008
Ashlee, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana - NAPLP Alumnus 2010
Mike Fisher, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan - NAPLP Alumnus 2011
Mike Fisher (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan), NAPLP Alumnus of 2011, encourages Native student to trail blaze through the hard times. He encourages students, especially first generation college student, to take the hard classes and continue to strive for the best. He stress that graduating from high school and college are some of the greatest achievements because it is not always easy. Mike believes attaining a degree is possible because a support network does exist for Native students - a network that is willing to provide advice and encouragement.
Marcus Grignon, Menominee - NAPLP Alumnus 2009
Marc Grignon (Menominee), NAPLP Alumnus of 2009, holds an Associates Degree in Tribal Leadership Studies and Sustainable Development. Currently, Marc is a community organizer who pledges to be a leaders for the "seven generations - mentor, guide and prosper future indigenous leaders of Indian Country." He tells his story about his journey through high school, the inspiration brought about from boxing and overcoming challenges. He explains the benefit of education in molding his career path and the importance of tribal leadership.
Jesus Fraire, Tohono O'odham - NAPLP Alumnus 2012
Jesus Fraire (Tohono O'odham), NAPLP Alumnus of Spring 2012, explains why it is important for Native youth to earn a high school education and participate in the political process. He pledges to be a lifelong positive high school role model for Native youth.
Heath Clayton, Chickasaw - NAPLP Alumnus Spring 2008
Heath Clayton (Chickasaw Nation), a NAPLP Alumnus of Spring 2008, describes his reasons for working in Washington, D.C. He expresses the concerns that he had as a high school student regarding ways to pay for college education. He developed networking skills to help him find scholarships. As a professional adult, he pledges to be a lifelong positive high school role model for Native youth.
Ashlee, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana - NAPLP Alumnus 2010
Ashlee (Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana), NAPLP Alumnus of 2010, is a first generation college graduate who earned a bachelor's degree in political science and public relations. She is currently a law student at Stanford University.
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#NativeYouth, be involved in your community!
Take the Social Media Pledge
Click to share your pledge on Facebook or Twitter!
Do more by volunteering with BBSA to Mentor with a local program:
Native American Engagement at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
The INSPIRE Native Teens Initiative
College of Professional Studies
805 21st NW, Suite 301 Washington, DC 20052.
Washington, DC 20052
Phone: 202-994-2083
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