Chickasaw astronaut to address more than 800 Native American youth leaders at event

WASHINGTON – The first American Indian in space will be a speaker at today’s first-ever White House Tribal Youth Gathering in Washington, DC.

Dr. John B. Herrington, Chickasaw, has been asked to speak at the daylong gathering designed to provide American Indian and Alaska Native youth from across the country the opportunity to interact with senior Administration officials and the White House Council on Native American Affairs.

Dr. Herrington became the first enrolled citizen of a Native American tribe in space in 2002. He spent 330 hours in space on STS-113 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, including 19 hours and 55 minutes in extra-vehicular activities, commonly referred to as spacewalks. He has been encouraging Native American youth to pursue higher education for more than a decade and recently earned a doctorate in Education from the University of Idaho. In addition to speaking events, he rode a bicycle more than 4,000 miles across the U.S. to bring attention to the need for Native American youth to pursue education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Dr. Herrington will join first lady Michelle Obama, Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell, Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and other high level officials scheduled to speak at the event.

“The fact that this gathering is on a national stage and is supported at the highest level of our government, should give the students a strong indication that their thoughts and aspirations matter,” said Herrington. “Regardless of the venue my message to students is for them to believe they are capable of accomplishing great things in life. I believe the steeper the climb, the more satisfying the view from the top.”

This event is a part of President Barack Obama’s Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) initiative.

Launched in 2014 at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, Gen-I strives to focus on improving the lives of Native youth through new investments and increased engagement. This initiative takes a comprehensive, culturally appropriate approach to ensure all young Native people can reach their full potential.

“I believe it is important for Native youth to know the current administration values their culture and how it adds to their sense of self-worth and personal abilities,” said Herrington. “I would like for these students to know they will be a tremendous asset to any organization (tribe, company or military unit) they choose to work for once they achieve their educational goals.”

The White House has partnered with The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute and the U.S. Department of the Interior to build a National Native Youth network.

The network provides a framework for connecting with youth leaders, resources that focus on attainment of higher education, entrepreneurship training, mentoring, and a platform to integrate Native youth voices into the national dialogue.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the next generation of Native scholars and engage governmental and academic leadership on the importance of building educational relationships and entrepreneurial opportunities in Indian Country,” said Herrington.

The Tribal Youth Gathering is a collaborative effort between the White House and UNITY (United National Tribal Youth) Inc.

Nearly 2,000 Native Youth from across the U.S. are scheduled to attend the UNITY National Conference beginning July 10.

Herrington has a message for all native youth, regardless of whether they have the opportunity to attend the White House Gathering or the UNITY Conference.

“If a little kid from rural Oklahoma can achieve his childhood dream of flying in space, these students should believe they are capable of achieving their dreams, whatever they may be,” he said. “It certainly doesn’t come easy, but every positive step forward along their life’s journey will improve their chances for success. Even when we have setbacks, we can learn from our mistakes and move forward. A positive attitude can produce positive results.  We all have individuals in our life that encourage us to do our best and motivate us to succeed.  Believe in the mentors that believe in you.”

Young Chickasaw leaders who are attending the Gathering include: Dylan Barnoski, Taylor Taliaferro, Kelsey Norton, Brea Schutlz, Breanna Schultz, Takia Johnson, Hailey Ellis, Krysten Wallace, Britany Lofton, Matt Ayers, Dakota Johnson, Tristin Lackey, Nahinli Billy, Darion Cook, Jason Morgan and Kameron Massingill.

“Chickasaw youth have a tremendous resource at their disposal through the tribe’s emphasis on education, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Herrington said. “It is my hope that our tribal students recognize and take advantage of the opportunities our tribe provides to them throughout their educational journey and beyond.”