2018-2019 Class

2018-2019 WRN Ambassadors

The 2018-19 class of WRN Ambassadors are a group of Native youth who are helping to spread positive vibes and create positive change in their communities. We R Native Ambassadors are the heart and soul of We R Native. The Ambassador program is a way for you to join the We R Native development team, get involved in your community, and make a positive difference around the topics that matter most to you. As an Ambassador, you’ll help spread positive vibes and create positive change in your communities. How? By promoting positive health behaviors, hosting outreach and awareness events in your community, and representing We R Native at youth conferences.

Even something that starts small can make a big impact. Together We Can Change Our World!

Aaron Nicholai

Aaron, (Coeur d'Alene) believes in positive motivation .

One thing I am passionate about is Generational growth. Once we instill this, it will help bring us together. I am also passionate about getting more people in my community involved.

Adryanna Armstrong

Adryanna, (Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians), believes in being a people's person. She would like to change her community in ways it’s never been changed. It’s hard for people to hear her voice in her community & she's hoping this will help get the word out about the changes she is going to see or make.

"One thing I am passionate about is change and becoming a better person than I was the day before.. I’m passionate about the future and I want to see everything in my community change. I want to see people do more cultural things like fish, hunt, gather, and spear. I want people to be more involved in our culture because every year I see kids lose more interest in the culture. Last but not least, I love nature & travel. I love to just go out and visit new places & to meet other Native Americans & hear about their interest’s & outlooks on life as a Native American. I love learning more and more about my culture everyday."

Alec Calac

Alec, (Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians), believes our culture gives us a greater sense of self – a connection to our land, our ancestors. However, we come from different walks of life, and some Native youth may not be familiar with the traditional knowledge of their people. We must be cognizant of that fact, and support efforts that revitalize these lost cultural, physical, and spiritual connections. As a We R Native Youth Ambassador, I will bring unending empathy to the relationships that I foster and maintain across Indian Country.

One thing I am passionate about is My life’s greatest passion is working to reduce and eliminate the health inequities that exist within our tribal communities. For years, I did not use my voice. That changed when I moved to Washington, DC. There, I got comfortable with being uncomfortable, and became an outspoken advocate for the unmet health needs of Native youth. Working with the National Indian Health Board as part of their inaugural Tribal Youth Health Advisory Board, I have focused my advocacy efforts on education, substance abuse prevention, childhood obesity and diabetes.. I am from Pauma, the place where there is water. The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians is situated in Northern San Diego County, and was officially established in 1893. Our tribal members are committed to the promotion of education and pride in our heritage and community. Trading the West Coast for the Sonoran Desert, I graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona in 2016 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Biology, minoring in Biochemistry. Now home to pursue my M.D.-Ph.D. at UC San Diego School of Medicine, I am poised to mentor the next generation of Native youth in San Diego County, especially those who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM).

Alexis Elmore

Alexis, (Pit River Tribe/Madesi), believes in being outgoing, easy to communicate with, and obtaining as much Native historical knowledge as possible.

"One thing I am passionate about is my culture, It's allows me to connect with the Elders, and my Indigenous practices.

As one of the proud Native American youth, of our nation, I love to make a difference and change to our society for the good. Being a leader in a community or school can be very beneficial. In life you will always need those leaders to help guide others through life or become a great person to help others. In my community and school I participate in Cheer Leading; as Captain, Basketball, Softball, Golf, Pow Wow dancing; as a northern Buckskin Traditional dancer, royalty for the Still Water Powwow; as Miss Still water of 2017-2019, I participate on student council for the Native American Education Club as the treasurer for the last 6 years, the fundraiser committee, Dance committee, Leo's Club, Interact Club, I Host cultural classes for my community with the help of my mom: Beading, Powwow Dace lessons, Regalia Making, Willow Gathering, Basket Weaving and Root Gathering. Last but not least I picked up and started the trend of assemblies at my school for Native American Heritage Month since i was in 7th grade. Being involved, I feel, brings you out of your shell and gives you a new purpose to show off who you are and your passion for our Native backgrounds."

share:

As one of the proud Native American youth, of our nation, I love to make a difference and change to our society for the good. Being a leader in a community or school can be very beneficial. In life you will always need those leaders to help guide others through life or become a great person to help others. In my community and school I participate in Cheer Leading; as Captain, Basketball, Softball, Golf, Pow Wow dancing; as a northern Buckskin Traditional dancer, royalty for the Still Water Powwow; as Miss Still water of 2017-2019, I participate on student council for the Native American Education Club as the treasurer for the last 6 years, the fundraiser committee, Dance committee, Leo's Club, Interact Club, I Host cultural classes for my community with the help of my mom: Beading, Powwow Dace lessons, Regalia Making, Willow Gathering, Basket Weaving and Root Gathering. Last but not least I picked up and started the trend of assemblies at my school for Native American Heritage Month since i was in 7th grade. Being involved, I feel, brings you out of your shell and gives you a new purpose to show off who you are and your passion for our Native backgrounds."">
As one of the proud Native American youth, of our nation, I love to make a difference and change to our society for the good. Being a leader in a community or school can be very beneficial. In life you will always need those leaders to help guide others through life or become a great person to help others. In my community and school I participate in Cheer Leading; as Captain, Basketball, Softball, Golf, Pow Wow dancing; as a northern Buckskin Traditional dancer, royalty for the Still Water Powwow; as Miss Still water of 2017-2019, I participate on student council for the Native American Education Club as the treasurer for the last 6 years, the fundraiser committee, Dance committee, Leo's Club, Interact Club, I Host cultural classes for my community with the help of my mom: Beading, Powwow Dace lessons, Regalia Making, Willow Gathering, Basket Weaving and Root Gathering. Last but not least I picked up and started the trend of assemblies at my school for Native American Heritage Month since i was in 7th grade. Being involved, I feel, brings you out of your shell and gives you a new purpose to show off who you are and your passion for our Native backgrounds."">
As one of the proud Native American youth, of our nation, I love to make a difference and change to our society for the good. Being a leader in a community or school can be very beneficial. In life you will always need those leaders to help guide others through life or become a great person to help others. In my community and school I participate in Cheer Leading; as Captain, Basketball, Softball, Golf, Pow Wow dancing; as a northern Buckskin Traditional dancer, royalty for the Still Water Powwow; as Miss Still water of 2017-2019, I participate on student council for the Native American Education Club as the treasurer for the last 6 years, the fundraiser committee, Dance committee, Leo's Club, Interact Club, I Host cultural classes for my community with the help of my mom: Beading, Powwow Dace lessons, Regalia Making, Willow Gathering, Basket Weaving and Root Gathering. Last but not least I picked up and started the trend of assemblies at my school for Native American Heritage Month since i was in 7th grade. Being involved, I feel, brings you out of your shell and gives you a new purpose to show off who you are and your passion for our Native backgrounds."">

Alexis Mills

Alexis, (Eastern Band of Cherokee), believes in being there for his community.

"One thing I am passionate about is helping my people. I plan to become a holistic/integrative Veterinarian because I not only love animals, but I want to be a role model for my people, both black and native. I also love to speak out on issues that affect my communities. Also, I love playing the piano and being outside."

Alyssa Hurt

Alyssa, (Chickasaw Nation), believes in perspective and creativity .

"One thing I am passionate about is photography. Photography is a gift i have been given and I would very much appreciate any opportunity to share this special gift of mine with others."

Amber(mason) Yarbrough

Amber(Mason), Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians) , enjoys doing whatever it takes to help support peers.

"One thing I am passionate about is becoming who I can and making people happy . I identify as a trans male and I go by he/him/his pronouns and use the name Mason."

Ana Atwell

Ana, (Tachi Yokut), is a role model to others. I inspire youth to speak up to themselves, and speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. I am a natural born leader. I am positive and motivate others to be more positive.

"One thing I am passionate about is learning about my culture; such as my language, songs, ceremonies and the ways of my ancestors. I am passionate about teaching my language, songs, and ceremonies, so that other members of my tribe will be as educated about our history.. Although I am young, I believe I have the skills and leadership qualities to be an ambassador. I am the President of my Tribal Youth Council, and President of my high school’s Native American Club. I am currently in the process of learning my language, and I would love to share that knowledge with other youth."