Week-Long Leadership Conference in Santa Fe, N.M., Provides Opportunity for Obama Administration Officials to Hear Directly from Youth

BOISE – Four students from the Nez Perce Tribe have been selected to join 150 young men and women from across the country for the week-long 2011 National Intertribal Youth Summit in Santa Fe, N.M., from July 24-28, 2011, featuring administration officials from the White House and the Departments of Justice, Interior, Health and Human Services and Education.

U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced today that the students chosen from the Nez Perce Tribe are Savion Henry, Erin Ramsey, Jonae ScabbyRobe and Tommy Williams III. During the leadership conference, the students will have the opportunity to engage with other American Indian and Alaska Native youth through special sessions targeting leadership development and critical youth issues such as healthy relationships and lifestyles, education, substance and alcohol abuse, cultural preservation, community development and protecting the environment.

The summit also provides an opportunity for Obama administration officials to hear directly from youth in Indian Country. The administration and federal agencies have made a commitment to building healthier and safer communities through strengthened coordination and collaboration with tribal governments and partners.

“We applaud all the students joining this summit for their commitment to improving their communities,” said Attorney General Holder. “Tribal governments face unique challenges, and the importance of getting our youth involved in securing a bright future for themselves, their friends, families, and neighbors can't be overstated.”

In her work with tribal leaders, U.S. Attorney Olson understands that the Nez Perce greatly value their youth and the opportunities this summit will bring to their government and community. “Involved and energetic young people are key to strengthening all communities,” said U.S. Attorney Olson. “At the Conference, these youth leaders will develop skills they can bring back to their families, peers and tribal government. I commend their commitment to solving community problems and providing positive role models for all youth.”

Chaske Spencer, star of the Twilight movie series, and pro-golfer Notah Begay also plan to make appearances at the summit, which is focused on youth voices. During the week-long session, participants will have the opportunity to create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to run in their communities. In a special session called Voices of Youth, participants will share thoughts, concerns and recommendations on ways to address public safety and positively impact the lives of youth across Indian Country—providing a platform for honest dialogue with federal officials. Additional workshops will provide tribal youth with knowledge and skills in leadership development and strategies for achieving academic and career success.

Youth were nominated for the 2011 Summit by their tribal youth program coordinators and submitted an application to attend. The Department of Justice's Office on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs (OJJDP) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) made the final participant selections.