Former Sen. Dorgan to start Center for Native American Youth
Monday, February 28, 2011
Filed Under:
National
Former Sen.
Byron
Dorgan (D-North Dakota) will announce the launch of the
Center for Native American Youth today in Washington, D.C.
The center, a new program at the
Aspen Institute, will focus on the health, safety and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Dorgan in particular plans to address high rates of suicide among young Native Americans.
“I created the Center for Native American Youth because I believe our country has a responsibility to keep the promises we have made to the First Americans,” Dorgan, the former chairman of the
Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said in a press release. “And we must start with the young people, many of whom are struggling to find opportunities to improve their lives
Following a presentation at the
National Congress of American Indians winter session, Dorgan will discuss his efforts this afternoon at the Aspen Institute. He'll be joined by NCAI President Jefferson Keel,
Indian Health Service Director Yvette Roubideaux,
Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska),
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk and
Administration for Native Americans Commissioner Lillian Sparks.
Later this evening, Dorgan will host a reception at the
National Museum of the American Indian.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska),
Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana) and
Rep. Dale Kildee
(D-Michigan) are expected to attend.
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