Native American youths to gather in NM

Posted at: 07/02/2009 12:35 PM
By: HEATHER CLARK, Associated Press Writer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Nearly 1,000 Native American youths from across the country are gathering in Albuquerque, N.M. to discuss substance abuse solutions and participate in cultural and other activities.

The youths will attend a national five-day conference of the Oklahoma City-based United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc., that starts Friday.

UNITY co-president Juanita Toledo of New Mexico’s Jemez Pueblo says preventing drug and alcohol abuse among Native American youth was voted a top issue this year by members.

The young tribal members will be asked to take their ideas for solving the problem back to tribal elders and to serve as role models for others.

Toledo says tribal leaders are increasingly willing to listen to the ideas of the younger generation.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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