Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation youth prepared to elect new Youth Leadership Council leaders Tuesday and Wednesday during a gathering at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Youth spent the two-day gathering discussing issues that affect them and their community and how they can address them, what sort of events and conferences they’d like to attend over the next year and sharpened their leadership skills. On Wednesday afternoon, they heard from CTUIR tribal member Acosia Red Elk, who shared her story of becoming a leader and how powwow dancing and yoga can help improve physical, mental and emotional health, before she gave some powwow dance tips. The group then heard from outgoing General Council Chair Lindsey Watchman, who shared advice and his experiences as a tribal leader. Afterwards, those seeking office positions shared speeches with their peers about why they want to take a leadership role before the youth voted on new leadership. The new Youth Leadership Council will be sworn-in on Nov. 29 alongside the incoming Board of Trustees and General Council members.
