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NIYC offers several employment, community, and youth programs.

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Welcome To The National Indian Youth Council, Inc.

Established in 1961, the National Indian Youth Council, Inc., (NIYC) is the second oldest Native American non-profit organization in the U.S.  Its founding members include: John Redhouse (Navajo), Clyde Warrior (Ponca), Shirley Witt (Akwesasne Mohawk Nation), Mel Thom (Walker River Paiute), and Herb Blachford (Navajo).  This young group of students formed the first formally-organized Native American association in Gallup, NM; becoming one of the first Native-rights advocacy groups in the 20th century.  For instance, NIYC lead the movement for the preservation of treaty-rights during the mid-1960’s and halted a $6 billion coal extraction campaign on the Navajo Nation reservation in the late 1970’s.

For over 50+ years, NIYC has evolved with the inclusion of a Workforce Development Program.  Today, NIYC is committed to empowering our Native American communities in Albuquerque/Las CrucesFarmington, and Gallup, New Mexico.

Announcements

Vision

NIYC’s vision is to empower Indigenous peoples and nation-builders to exercise self-determination while honoring Indigenous worldviews and experiences.

Mission

The mission of the National Indian Youth Council, Inc., is to foster the self-determination of Indigenous people through: 1) economic sovereignty; 2) cultural flourishing; 3) political resilience; and 4) community well-being.