fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

MESA, AZ – The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development has opened nominations for the 2023 Native American 40 Under 40 awards.

Nominated by members of their communities, this award is granted to Native Americans under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication while making significant contributions to their professions and communities. 

Help us tell Native stories that get overlooked by other media.

Past award winners span diverse fields, from the government to entertainment. Awardees are selected by the Board of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.

“Whether in tribal leadership, business, medicine, the law, arts and entertainment, or academia, Native American 40 Under 40 awardees represent the best of Indian Country – and its future,” Chris James, president and CEO of The National Center, said in a statement. “Recognizing deserving young leaders is just one way The National Center empowers for generations. I look forward to welcoming the 2023 Class of 40 Under 40 awardees at the upcoming Reservation Economic Summit.”

Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.

The 2023 Native American 40 Under 40 winners will be honored on April 5 during RES 2023 in Las Vegas, NV. Registration is now open, with early bird discounts are available through January 13.

The deadline to submit a nomination is February 10, 2023. Nominations can be submitted here.

 

Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions

At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.

The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.

Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.

This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.

We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.

Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.

Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.

Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.

Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher