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.

Storyteller and author Tim Tingle (Choctaw) poses with 2010 winners after a writing seminar led by Mr. Tingle.

2011 Winners

Logo design by
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Announcing the 2011-2012 Young Native Writers Essay Contest

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