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REACHING OUT TO NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH TO INSPIRE READING, STUDYING, AND HIGHER EDUCATION

The Young Native Writers Essay Contest is a writing contest for Native American high school students and is designed to encourage young Native Americans to write about the progress their tribal communities have made and how their tribal communities can keep moving forward.

The voices that emerge from this program honor the legacy of every Native American who has ever lived. Add your words to the thousands submitted through this project - all writers receive a Certificate of Honor for their submission.

The Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation's goal of promoting education and creating new opportunities for youth has inspired this essay contest. Partnering with Holland & Knight in this endeavor is the National Museum of the American Indian.


 


2012 Winners (left to right) David Clark (Russian Aleut), Aunna Woods (Pyramid Lake Paiute), Kevin Gover (Pawnee and Director of the NMAI), Reed Bobroff (Dine), Jonathan Loney (Tlingit), Emily Nelis (Ojibwe).

Click the link below to view the winners.
2013 Winners

The 2013 Young Native Writers Contest Deadline has passed.

Thanks to all the native writers who participated.
see rules for more details.



Click on "Essay Contest" to learn all about submitting your essay, and becoming eligible for a trip to Washington, D.C., and a $2,500 college scholarship!
 

Aunna Woods (Pyramid Lake Paiute) at the Smithsonian's Cultural Resource Center.

 
"The words "thank you" do not give service to the true gratitude I feel for all of the great experiences I had as a result of the Young Native Writers Essay Contest sponsored by Holland & Knight. I will treasure every moment for the rest of my life. Thank you

Aunna Woods,
2012 First-Place Winner