This past August, Unity recognized Penobscot Nation Youth Council with the 2022 Youth Council of the Year Award! Eben Francis, a member of the PNYC, was invited to the White House for a 2022 White House Tribal Youth Forum & The White House Celebration Of Native American Heritage Month on November 14 & 15th. Over 100 Native Youth met to discuss key issues our communities are facing including mental health, wellness, climate change, food sovereignty, education, and more.
Eben had the opportunity to hear remarks from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Auntie Deb), as well as participate in the one-day forum which focused on key issues facing Indian country today. The exciting program featured high-level administration officials, special guests, and other Native youth from across Indian Country.
WPHW looks forward to supporting Wabanaki Youth Councils in attending the 2023 UNITY National Conference in Washington DC in June!
“This is an amazing opportunity for our Native youth to engage with the White House on key policy initiatives impacting their tribal communities,” said Mary Kim Titla, UNITY executive director. “The youth selected for this forum have demonstrated strong leadership skills and the desire to have their voices heard on issues important to them.”
Read more about the event here: Native Youth attend the 2022 White House Tribal Youth Forum – Center for Native American Youth (cnay.org)
