The Summit for the Advocacy of Youth (SAY) 2026 was a powerful reminder of what is possible when Native youth are given the opportunity to share their stories and advocate for their communities. Twenty-two youth including six from Flathead Reservation and Lake County (Montana), two from Gila River (Arizona), four from United American Indian Involvement (California), four from Prairie Band Potawatomi (Kansas), and six from Nowata (Oklahoma) traveled to Washington, D.C., accompanied by dedicated Club leaders who have invested countless hours in helping them grow into the trailblazers they are becoming.
Throughout the week, Native youth stood proudly as representatives of their Indigenous communities and their Clubs. They spoke not only about the challenges facing Native youth, but also about the strengths, cultural values, resilience, and hope that define their homelands. Their voices reflected generations of dedication to making a difference for those who will come after them.
SAY 2026 brought BGCA’s strategic goals to life in meaningful ways. The strength of our organizations was evident as Clubs from across Indian Country came together with a shared commitment to youth success. The talent demonstrated by Club professionals was equally inspiring. Staff members guided and prepared youth every step of the way, providing opportunities where young people felt empowered to lead with confidence. Most importantly, the week highlighted the incredible impact Native youth can have when given a platform to share their experiences and ideas.
The defining moment of the week was the opportunity for youth to advocate on Capitol Hill. Meeting with congressional representatives and staff, they spoke about issues affecting their Native lands and shared how Boys & Girls Clubs are helping create opportunities, by strengthening connections to culture and community. They represented themselves with courage and authenticity, demonstrating that Native youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also leaders of today.
One of the most meaningful takeaways was youth explaining the unique connection between their Clubs and Tribal communities. Their perspectives highlighted how Boys & Girls Clubs provide opportunities, support systems, and safe spaces that help young people thrive. Those conversations served as a powerful reminder of the privilege we have in supporting Native youth and the Clubs that serve them.
SAY 2026 also reinforced the importance of advocacy. While BGCA may be widely recognized, events like SAY ensure that our Clubs and communities are truly understood. By sharing their stories directly with national policymakers, Native youth helped deepen awareness of both the challenges and strengths present within Tribal communities. It was an unforgettable experience that demonstrated the power of youth leadership and the lasting impact of Native Boys & Girls Clubs.
