Restoration Magazine

Growing up as a young Black and Native American girl in a world marred with discrimination and hate, I developed a strong determination to drive change and raise awareness about pressing issues. My mother’s work in combating sexual violence exposed me to numerous conferences and meetings from an early age. Immersed in these environments, I questioned our society deeply and considered how we might address injustices.

In seventh grade, I participated in National History Day, a project-based competition for 7-12 grade students. The theme that year was “Take a Stand,” and my friends and I chose to explore Native American boarding schools—a topic that resonated personally with me as a Native American. Our project advanced through the school competition, regional contests, and ultimately to the National History Day Competition in Washington, D.C. Reading and learning about the stories of these children in these boarding schools helped me visualize and empathize with what those children went through— loss of their language, hair, teachings, and families. I used that to help paint a picture of some of the experiences and pain these students went through. Being able to articulate and present the stories of Indigenous assimilation to a global audience was profoundly empowering. It illustrated the significant impact of raising awareness.

On Valentine’s Day each year, in the freezing Minnesota weather, my mother’s organization, the Minnesota Indian Women Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC),  co-hosts a march for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and relatives (MMIWR) with other community organizations. Having attended this march nearly every year, I took action in eighth grade. I organized a school walkout, rallying my peers to join the march. I wanted to share this enticing experience of marching and showing up for an important cause. I had rallied about 15-20 students to accompany me. Although threats of suspension occurred the next day—a stark contrast to previous walkouts—I felt more inspired than defeated.

In response, I led a school community project where my friends and I crafted around 2,000 cedar ties adorned with red ribbons and explanatory notes about the MMIWR movement. We distributed these ties to students, faculty, and staff, initiating conversations about the cause. The following year, the Minneapolis Public School district organized student buses to attend the march, demonstrating the powerful impact of youth activism. At just 14, we educated our school community and influenced an entire school district.

Through these experiences, I gained a deeper understanding of leadership—specifically, the power to positively influence others and effect meaningful change. In my first year of high school, my mother and I traveled to Chicago to collaborate with a Black-centered organization called A Long Walk Home, which focuses on art and activism to empower young people in the fight against violence toward girls and women. This visit was part of a longstanding connection between their organization and MIWSAC, which previously hosted some members at the MMIW march. We aimed to articulate the significance of the march and build solidarity between the causes of missing and murdered Black and Indigenous women and girls. The media often conflates these minority groups, so we must stand together and support one another.

Honored, I returned several years later, in February, to Chicago to speak on a public panel. This time, I presented findings from an infographic I created in the spring of 2023. As part of a youth-led research team, we analyzed data from the Minnesota Student Survey, specifically focusing on a new question added in 2022: “Have you ever traded sex or sexual activity to receive money, food, drugs, alcohol, a place to stay, or anything else?” We discovered that while 1.3% of students answered yes, the rate significantly increased to—4.3%—among Native American students. This alarming disparity prompted us to collaborate with researchers from the University of Minnesota to explore further.

Our analysis identified several factors, including experiences of self-harm, transgender identity, and unstable home environments. Next, we examined other issues, including depleted resources, ineffective support systems, and unresponsive legal frameworks. Our disruption strategies included decolonizing and revitalizing Native traditions. We advocate for Indigenous civic action and critical education. Providing essential resources and addressing stereotypes creates space for healing and righteous anger. We must address the root causes and foster positive change in our communities.

Since then, I have been honored to travel nationwide, sharing my insights with diverse audiences. This opportunity has not only empowered me but has also been a profound source of inspiration. Engaging in thought-provoking conversations with peers and individuals significantly older than myself has been incredibly fulfilling. Sharing knowledge and wisdom and fostering awareness on important issues epitomizes what leadership means to me. These experiences have significantly shaped who I am today and who I aspire to become.

I commit to continuing this work in various capacities. I hope to inspire young people to embrace their potential and recognize their power to effect change. I believe in standing up for our convictions and maintaining faith in our ability to improve the world, even amidst uncertainty. This work has instilled in me a sense of security and trust in the possibility of transformation. I am dedicated to supporting just causes and creating pathways for youth to contribute to meaningful progress.