ASU hosts 2006 Native American Youth Conference

October 10, 2006

Arizona State University will host the 2006 Native American Youth conference, “Transitioning through life: Culture, Education, and Choices.” The conference is designed to provide guidance to Arizona’s Native American youth in transitioning from family to education and on to adulthood. The conference is organized by Native American Student Service, a division of Student Affairs at ASU’s West campus, the Arizona Indian Education Association and the Arizona Department of Education.<separator></separator>The two-day conference will be held Oct. 19 through Oct. 20 at ASU’s West campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road. Participants have the opportunity to take part in a variety of hands-on activities, workshops, listen to experts and explore exciting topics designed to encourage Native American young people to realize their potential as the leaders of the next generation.<separator></separator>“We were pleased to be able to host this event,” said Beverly Honanie, program coordinator, <a name="OLE_LINK2" title="OLE_LINK2"></a><a name="OLE_LINK1" title="OLE_LINK1"></a>Office of Diversity and Social Justice, Native American Student Services at ASU’s West campus. “The conference encourages Native American youth to realize their potential by providing leadership in their community and schools and promotes education as a key to youth success.”<separator></separator>Keynote speakers will share their personal journeys into adulthood. Speakers will share personal stories of how they become successful contributors of society while maintaining cultural ties with their communities.<separator></separator>On Thursday, Oct. 19, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, a Navajo from the Colorado River Indian Tribes, will be the featured keynote at the evening banquet. The banquet is sponsored by the Arizona Department of Health Services. On Friday, the Arizona Governor’s Council on Health, Physical Fitness and Sports invites conference participants to attend Major League Baseball’s Arizona Fall League game. The game is preceded by a free baseball clinic, an awards ceremony, and a game featuring the Peoria Javelinas and the Scottsdale Scorpions. For additional information about the baseball activities contact Nadine Groenig at 602-542-3538