Native American Youth Organization
The Native American Youth Organization (NAYO) was founded in 2024 by youth on the Pine Ridge Reservation to create opportunities that uplift lives on Indigenous nations, starting with their own Oglala Lakota community. Guided by the principles of cultural restoration, leadership development, and environmental sustainability, NAYO aims to inspire the next generation of Native leaders and strengthen Indigenous sovereignty.
NAYO Core Initiatives
1. Spiritual and Cultural Enhancement
- Mental health and emotional intelligence
- Arts, music, and storytelling
- Hand games, ceremonies, and language revitalization
2. Regenerative Agriculture
- Buffalo and prairie restoration
- Hemp and plant medicine cultivation
- Food sovereignty through greenhouses
3. Clean Energy Development
- Renewable energy deployment on reservations
4. Leadership Development
- Strengthening tribal sovereignty
- Education on legal history and intergovernmental relations
5. Education
- Academic opportunities, travel abroad, and test preparation
6. Sports and Wellness
- New athletic facilities
- Holistic health initiatives and physical therapy
7. Media and Arts
- Performing arts, fine arts, and digital storytelling
8. Entrepreneurship
- Tourism and digital economies
- Financial literacy and access to capital
Explore the journey of NAYO through our video playlist. From engaging with tribal elders to networking at national conferences, these young leaders exemplify the strength, passion, and potential of the next generation of Native change-makers.