FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jamie Levitt, jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org
2025 Brave Heart Fellowship Uplifts Native Youth Fighting Climate Change
Indigenous youth leaders seek environmental justice in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
WASHINGTON – January 30, 2025 – The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute (CNAY) is proud to announce the third cohort of the Brave Heart Fellowship (BHF), a program that provides pathways for youth leaders to enhance their skills as protectors of Native lands, waterways and sacred sites, and stewards for food sovereignty. For the second consecutive year, efforts are focused in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
BHF promotes youth-led change through a culturally-competent curriculum, intergenerational learning space and promotion of policy change at the tribal, local, state and national level. Supported by micro-grants and technical assistance from CNAY, Fellows work alongside community members and like-minded organizations to develop and implement environmentally-focused community action projects – addressing issues of man-made disruption, climate change and natural disasters.
“Too often, conversations and investment in climate solutions leave out Indigenous voices,” said Katy Stewart, Program Manager at CNAY. “Now, more than ever, we need to uplift the voices of Native youth in the fight to protect the environment. Congratulations to the 2025 Brave Heart Fellows, a diverse group of leaders who come from tribal communities that have long served as the stewards of our land and the keepers of ecological knowledge. It is a privilege to support them on their advocacy journey this year.”
Meet the 2025 Brave Heart Fellows:
- Giselle Alvarez (Purépecha & Miwuk) – of Berkeley, CA – plans to create workshops targeted to recent Native admits to UC Berkeley.
- Tatiwyat Buck (Wanapum, Yakama & Colville) – of Seattle, WA – plans to share the importance of the first foods through storytelling and data.
- Danielle Frank (Hupa & Yurok) – of Hoopa, CA – plans to study the impact of large-scale hydroelectric projects.
- Lotte Whistling Bird Kizer (Washoe Tribe of Lake Tahoe) – of Novato, CA – plans to help restore wildlife habitats for native animals.
- Alexio Lira (Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians) – of Dublin, CA – plans to bring attention to tribal energy needs and pave the way for actionable solutions.
- Lakota McRoberts (Ahtna Athabaskan) – of Glennallen, AK – plans to research regional medicinal plants and share her findings with the community.
- Kylie Morris (Alaska Native: Tsimshian) – of Juneau, AK – plans to create a climate resilience workshop series aimed at educating and preparing communities in Alaska.
- Krissia Tuzroyluk (Iñupiaq) – of Anchorage, AK – plans to develop a curriculum with workshops on climate change, coastal erosion and environmental stewardship.
The 2025 Brave Heart Fellowship was offered to self-identified Native and Indigenous youth, ages 18-24, living in Alaska, (Northern) California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington state. Fellows become part of a continuously developing national network of climate activists and climate-driven organizations.
To schedule an interview with a 2025 Brave Heart Fellow or CNAY leader, please contact Jamie Levitt at jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org. Learn more about the Brave Heart Fellowship and Center for Native American Youth by visiting https://www.cnay.org/brave-heart-fellowship/.
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About CNAY: The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth – ages 24 and under – on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well- being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. Learn more: www.cnay.org
