MISSION – The newest members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Senior and Junior Youth Leadership Councils took their oaths of office Jan. 3 at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino Rivers Event Center. The swearing-in ceremony, postponed twice out of respect for community losses, coincided with the Elders Christmas Luncheon. Although some councilors were absent due to school functions, CTUIR Chief Judge William Johnson administered the oaths to those present.  

"I ran for Youth Council and this position so that I could improve my public speaking skills and be more involved with my Native community and peers," said Miracle Edmiston, 15, of Pendleton High School. "It also will help me grow in many ways for when I am older as well as be a resource for when applying for colleges." 

The Senior Youth Leadership Council, consisting of students in grades 9-12, includes Chair Weptas Brockie, Vice Chair Miracle Edmiston, Treasurer Brooklyn Jones, Cultural Ambassador Abraham Shippentower, Secretary Eagle Edmiston and Publicist Ayanna Star. Additional members represent various schools, including Pendleton High School, Nixyáawii Community School, and Athena-Weston schools. In total, the council comprises 21 senior councilors. 

"I want to continue learning and focusing on treaty rights. It was excellent last year, and I want the chance to learn new things and meet new people,” Weptas Brockie Jr. from Nixyáawii Community School said. “I am also here to help save my treaty rights such as hunting, fishing, digging, and picking." 

The Junior Youth Leadership Council, composed of grades 6-8, includes Chair Abigayle McIntosh, Vice Chair Luka Worden, Treasurer Grant Sheoships, and Cultural Ambassador Gabriella Calvillo, along with several members-at-large. Thirteen members join the council, totaling 23 junior councilors. 

"I ran for Junior Youth Council because I wanted to be more connected to my community and see how I can be more involved," said Luka Worden, a student at Sunridge Middle School.

Established in 2015 under the CTUIR’s Department of Children & Family Services, the Youth Leadership Councils aim to educate tribal youth about governance, provide a voice in tribal government, and foster leadership skills. Members are elected annually and engage in various leadership development opportunities. 

"The youth councils’ elections mark a significant step in fostering leadership and community engagement among the tribal youth," said DCFS Director Julie Taylor.  

The CTUIR comprises the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Tribes, which formed under the Treaty of 1855 to protect treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.