The Life of an Indigenous Youth

Being an Indigenous youth can provide a world full of opportunities as well as serve as a barrier. Youth hold the power to shift the dynamics of the world. If we want change, we must provide leadership support for youth to make change possible. Indigenous youth, in particular, continue to face racism and discrimination and are marginalized in society, but when they have a sense of belonging and a strong cultural identity, they become resilient, powerful individuals. They have roots through their ancestral lineage, wisdom, and intelligence. They are the future leaders of their communities. It is critical to restore leadership from the erosion of their traditional knowledge practices and ancestral lands so that they can begin to create a more sustainable, interdependent system for the coming generations. I have had the privilege of meeting many other Newari and non-Newari people in my life, and this range of experiences has allowed me to understand my role in relation to my Indigenous community as well as in relation to the non-Indigenous world around me. There have been moments where I felt extremely supported and there have also been moments when I experienced clashes between my ideas and the ideas of my community. Each moment has taught me something and helped me understand the world around me. This chapter will showcase my experiences as an Indigenous youth in various sectors, primarily in the area of human rights