REACHING OUT TO NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH TO INSPIRE READING, STUDYING, AND HIGHER EDUCATION

The Young Native Writers Essay Contest is a writing contest for Native American high school students and is designed to encourage young Native Americans to think about the critical issues impacting their tribal communities today.

The voices that emerge from this program honor the legacy of every Native American who has ever lived. Add your words to the thousands submitted through this project - all writers receive a Certificate of Honor for their submissions.

The Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation's goal of promoting education and creating new opportunities for youth has inspired this essay contest. Partnering with Holland & Knight in this endeavor is the National Museum of the American Indian.

(left to right) Hunter Harmon (Nanticoke), Trevin Cole (Choctaw), Merk Robbins (Yurok), Harry Boling (Comanche), Neyom “Taigi” Osceola (Seminole), Alana Stone (Sicangu Lakota /Navajo), Talon Ducheneaux (Cheyenne River Sioux/Crow Creek Sioux), and Chance Carpenter (Hupa), shown with special guest Ed Edmo (Shoshone/Bannock/Nez Perce) and Kevin Gover (Pawnee), Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

2011 Winners

The 2012 Young Native Writers Contest Deadline has passed.

Thanks to all the native writers who participated.
see rules for more details.

Click on "Essay Contest" to learn all about submitting your essay, and becoming eligible for a trip to Washington, D.C., and a $2,500 college scholarship!

Tashina Swalley (Sicangu Lakota) at the Smithsonian's Cultural Resource Center, researching artifacts of the Lakota Indian Tribe.

"Now I believe that dreams really come true. This project helped me realize that the best way I can help my people is through my own education. Thank you for giving me the hope I needed to pursue
my dreams."

Tashina Swalley,
2010 First-Place Winner