2021 Awards
Mvnettvlke Onaya Awards
(Youth Visionary)​
CREATING SUPPORT Stephanie has been instrumental in researching and creating mentoring opportunities for youth and young adults. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Master's Degree in Counseling. Stephanie believes that as an Indigenous or minority person, it is important to share her experiences and resources that have helped her with others
CREATING SUPPORT Stephanie has been instrumental in researching and creating mentoring opportunities for youth and young adults. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Master's Degree in Counseling. Stephanie believes that as an Indigenous or minority person, it is important to share her experiences and resources that have helped her with others
ENCOURAGING WELLNESS Laura is a leader of the South Portland Fuit Tree Map group in Maine. Laura hopes the project will increase tree planting to lower food insecurity, improve the quality of the air and climate, and provide resources for pollinating animals including bees, butterflies, bats, beetles and birds. The target population are low-income families located where there is is less green space.
ENCOURAGING WELLNESS Laura is a leader of the South Portland Fuit Tree Map group in Maine. Laura hopes the project will increase tree planting to lower food insecurity, improve the quality of the air and climate, and provide resources for pollinating animals including bees, butterflies, bats, beetles and birds. The target population are low-income families located where there is is less green space.
FOSTERING ADVOCACY Brent set up and ran a youth teaching program during Muscogee Nation Summer Youth program while placed at the Legacy Cultural Learning Community at Tiger Gallery in Muskogee. The group films, made signs to label the trees and played games in both the Mvskoke and Yuchi languages. Brent's efforts inspired his peers to take care of he surroundings and the culture.
FOSTERING ADVOCACY Brent set up and ran a youth teaching program during Muscogee Nation Summer Youth program while placed at the Legacy Cultural Learning Community at Tiger Gallery in Muskogee. The group films, made signs to label the trees and played games in both the Mvskoke and Yuchi languages. Brent's efforts inspired his peers to take care of he surroundings and the culture.
PROMOTING CIVIC DUTY Kenna has been active in addressing social justice issues, specifically racism, since she was in high school. As a current student at the University of Oklahoma she has participated in a sit-in to demand change in various areas of campus life to be more representative of all students. Through various opportunities she has been able to address issues such as LGBTQ, mental health and domestic violence.
PROMOTING CIVIC DUTY Kenna has been active in addressing social justice issues, specifically racism, since she was in high school. As a current student at the University of Oklahoma she has participated in a sit-in to demand change in various areas of campus life to be more representative of all students. Through various opportunities she has been able to address issues such as LGBTQ, mental health and domestic violence.
PROVIDING RESOURCES "Eli" is responsible for sharing resources as a part of her job. She takes it to the next level by incorporating the Mvskoke language and culture. She has created various graphics to promote the learning of the Mvskoke language and designed a book depicting the Creation Story. Through establishing her own connections to the Mvskoke culture, she has become a resource to her friends, family, coworkers.
PROVIDING RESOURCES "Eli" is responsible for sharing resources as a part of her job. She takes it to the next level by incorporating the Mvskoke language and culture. She has created various graphics to promote the learning of the Mvskoke language and designed a book depicting the Creation Story. Through establishing her own connections to the Mvskoke culture, she has become a resource to her friends, family, coworkers.
Vculvlke Mvnettvlke Emvnicv Awards
(Old Who Helps the Young)
CREATING SUPPORT Ryan has been dilligent in the revitalization of the Yuchi language. He has encouraged & educated youth on the importance of bringing back native languages to their communities, he has mentored other young adults to master the language and teach others and has fostered opportunities for youth to be to speak their Native languages and restore power to their indigenous identities.
CREATING SUPPORT Ryan has been dilligent in the revitalization of the Yuchi language. He has encouraged & educated youth on the importance of bringing back native languages to their communities, he has mentored other young adults to master the language and teach others and has fostered opportunities for youth to be to speak their Native languages and restore power to their indigenous identities.
FOSTERING ADVOCACY Julie Norem holds the responsibility of managing, protecting and advancing the view, interests and natural resources of the Muscogee Nation. She promotes cultural and agricultural practices. As an involved parent, Julie established and continues to coordinate a 4-H program at Preston Public Schools. This allows youth to use a hands-on approach to achieve self-esteem and build supportive relationships.
FOSTERING ADVOCACY Julie Norem holds the responsibility of managing, protecting and advancing the view, interests and natural resources of the Muscogee Nation. She promotes cultural and agricultural practices. As an involved parent, Julie established and continues to coordinate a 4-H program at Preston Public Schools. This allows youth to use a hands-on approach to achieve self-esteem and build supportive relationships.
ENCOURAGING WELLNESS Rosemary regularly hosts online language classes and even hosts annual language immersion camp at her home. She is supportive of youth on their language journey, encouraging them and giving extra help when needed. She inspires youth and adults to learn the Mvskoke language not only for themselves, but for all Mvskoke people.
ENCOURAGING WELLNESS Rosemary regularly hosts online language classes and even hosts annual language immersion camp at her home. She is supportive of youth on their language journey, encouraging them and giving extra help when needed. She inspires youth and adults to learn the Mvskoke language not only for themselves, but for all Mvskoke people.
PROMOTING CIVIC DUTY Ashleigh is a 2L at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University Ashleigh holds numerous academic awards. Ashleigh was the co-creator of the Mvskoke Youth Candidate Forum and has been instrumental in the continued development of civic engagement activities of the MNYS program. She is committed to promoting the rights of indigenous people and protecting tribal sovereignty.
PROMOTING CIVIC DUTY Ashleigh is a 2L at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University Ashleigh holds numerous academic awards. Ashleigh was the co-creator of the Mvskoke Youth Candidate Forum and has been instrumental in the continued development of civic engagement activities of the MNYS program. She is committed to promoting the rights of indigenous people and protecting tribal sovereignty.
PROVIDING RESOURCES Scott uses athletics to reach Mvskoke youth and all youth. At every practice, Scott discusses the overall health of the youth and their family and the importantance of education. He also connects youth with resources, but it is the relationships he establishes with those youth that is the main resource. He provides opportunities to learn life skills and be engaged in the community.
PROVIDING RESOURCES Scott uses athletics to reach Mvskoke youth and all youth. At every practice, Scott discusses the overall health of the youth and their family and the importantance of education. He also connects youth with resources, but it is the relationships he establishes with those youth that is the main resource. He provides opportunities to learn life skills and be engaged in the community.
Previous Year Recipients