Native Youth Raise Their Voices on Capitol Hill

When Native youth have the opportunity to tell their stories and speak about the issues that matter most to them, powerful things can happen.

That was on full display at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026 Summit for America’s Youth (SAY), where Native young people from across Indian Country traveled to Washington, D.C., to share their experiences, advocate for their communities, and show lawmakers firsthand what’s possible when youth voices are heard.

22 Boys & Girls Club members made the journey, representing Tribal communities from Flathead Reservation and Lake County, Montana; Gila River, Arizona; United American Indian Involvement in California; Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas; and Nowata, Oklahoma. Teens arrived ready to make an impact alongside their Club advisors, who have supported them year-round in leading service projects back home.

Boys & Girls Club of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation sharing their local advocacy project in Washington, D.C., at BGCA’s Summit for America’s Youth.

After spending the week building their leadership and advocacy skills, Native Club kids met directly with members of Congress and congressional staff to discuss the issues affecting Native communities and the role Boys & Girls Clubs play in helping young people succeed.

These conversations were about more than raising awareness. They were an opportunity for Native youth to truly be heard, sharing not only the challenges their communities face, but also the strengths that define their communities, including culture and resilience.

One of these young leaders was Georgia, a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gila River Indian Community. Driven to make a difference, she led a service project focused on addressing drug and alcohol abuse among Native youth. By presenting data about the ongoing crisis and connecting it to mental health and generational challenges, Georgia helped raise awareness and advocate for stronger support systems and expanded mental health resources for Tribal communities.

Youth from Boys & Girls Club of United American Indian Involvement of Los Angeles, CA outside the U.S. Capitol Building.

For Georgia, sharing her work with members of Congress was about more than advocacy; it was about making connections.

“Attending SAY was an unforgettable experience that connected me with new mentors, new friends, and a supportive network that made me feel welcomed from the moment I arrived,” she shared.

“The engaging workshops, interactive activities, and sense of community inspired me to grow as a leader, and I hope to see even more Indigenous Clubs represented at future events so others can share in the same powerful experience.”

By speaking directly with national policymakers, these young leaders demonstrated something important: Native youth are not waiting for the future to lead. They are already leading today, using their voices, experiences and determination to create lasting change in their communities and our country.

Learn more about how Boys & Girls Clubs support kids and teens on Native lands through after-school programs that help them lead and succeed.