Youth Leadership Council

To empower Native American and Indigenous youth to be leaders and advocates in education, culture, and community development.

Indigenous youth are respected leaders, shaping education policy and initiatives grounded in cultural identity, sovereignty, and self-determination.

The Youth Leadership Council advises the Ventura County Indian Education Consortium Parent Advisory Council to give youth voice to all matters considered by the VCIEC Parent Advisory Council. The Youth Leadership Council is a two-way communication conduit.  

The Ventura County Indian Education Consortium is a Title VI federally funded program, with additional financial support from our partner districts, providing direct services to American Indian and Alaskan Native students in grades TK-12 in Ventura County School Districts and Charter Schools.

The Youth Leadership Council is inclusive and welcoming to all. All American Indian and Alaskan Native youth of all tribal affiliation, degree of Native ancestry (blood quantum), and enrollment status—are encouraged to participate fully in all Youth Leadership Council activities. Youth are encouraged to actively participate in discussion, share needs, express concerns, provide ideas and vote. Elders and Cultural Advisors are welcome and encouraged to share their wisdom with the youth. Non-indigenous community members are also welcome to provide encouragement and support to the YLC.