Photo by Clare Jensen
(TOP) EMCEE MARCUS GUINN HYPES UP THE CROWD BEFORE THE START OF THE THIRD ANNUAL NATIVE YOUTH SUMMIT MAY 28.
Successful Native American lawyers, government officials, performers, athletes, healthcare professionals and culture gurus gathered at Chief Leschi Schools May 28.
They met with middle school and high school students for the third annual Native Youth Summit, a program that aims to inspire youth to achieve in their futures.
The Youth Summit was started as a way to show the young Native American population at Chief Leschi examples of Native American adults who have become successful in a variety of fields.
Guest speakers shared their stories and answered questions. They also listened to the thoughts and concerns of the students.
“The purpose of today is to listen to you guys. Everyone who is here today, they are here to help you think about your futures,” said Puyallup Tribal Council member David Bean to a group of students before workshops began.
Small groups of middle school and high school students visited various workshop sessions throughout the day.
Students were able to hear perspectives from the local tribal community as well as from American Indians from all over the country.
Puyallup tribal representatives included Kwawachee Counseling Center Director Danelle Reed Inderbitzen, Council members David Bean and James Miles, Cultural Coordinators Connie and Clinton McCloud and elder Verna Bartlett.
Many of the speakers hailed from tribes throughout the country, demonstrating the breadth of successful role models in Indian Country, and connecting the diversity of the more than 60 tribes represented at Chief Leschi.
“The Native Youth Summit is a promotion of all tribes within our school and how they need to identify themselves,” said Superintendent Ray Lorton. “It really does bring out every kid’s identity. Identity is really important for these kids to be successful.”
A group of Native American basketball players, who play ball and speak at schools around the country, demonstrated their skills and shared how many of them were working through college.
Hip-hop artists Marcus and Happy Frejo and emcee Marcus Guinn got the students hyped up for the day on original music, and then met in more personal sessions to share their stories, and how they stayed away from drugs and alcohol to follow their passions.
“We’re not here to tell you what to do but to help you,” said Marcus “Quese” Frejo. “Be proud of who you are, embrace who you are, because everyone wants what you have.
That’s identity. That’s power. That’s culture.”
