American Indian Youth Council
The American Indian Youth Council (AIYC)
exists primarily to represent American Indian Youth in the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the local, presbytery, synod
and General Assembly levels, including all Native American
committees within the church. AIYC is one avenue to develop
the leadership skills of young people.
In the beginning there was
no American Indian Youth Council (AIYC) and there was darkness.
Even though a handful of people were doing youth work and
speaking for youth, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) did not
have a representative body of Native American Presbyterian
youth. Then the Spirit of God began to touch and work within
particular people in developing an important part of the church.
Ideas began to center around the same framework as the Native
American Consulting Committee (NACC), which is the national
caucus of the PC(USA) for Native Americans. The basic idea
was to structure a council of eight youth representing
eight of the sixteen synods with Native American ministries
within their bounds. AIYC supported by two to four adults
who serve as advisors and the staff person in the Native American
Congregational Enhancement office. So after much work and anticipation
through prayer the birth of AIYC was in the fall of 1994. AIYC
has two representatives on the Native American Consulting Committee
(NACC).
Chartered members of AIYC began its diligent work on writing
its by-laws, electing officers, creating agendas and
serving God faithfully by serving other Native American Presbyterian
youth. AIYC members made reports in different capacities and
planned creative and spiritual youth conferences. Biannual
meetings were a time of sharing, laughing, crying, praying,
working and planning as they continued the effective ministry
among Native youth across the country.
AIYC members were leaders at youth conferences in Tuskahoma,
Oklahoma; Camp Dwight in Vian, Oklahoma; Camp Cedar Ridge,
Louisville, Kentucky; El Caribe, Daytona Beach, Florida;
and Menaul School, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Besides refining their leadership skills at their own conferences,
AIYC members also attended other church sponsored leadership
conferences and youth gatherings. AIYC members participated
in the Native American celebration at General Assembly held
in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Youth Connections held at Slippery
Rock University and University of Maryland, past Trienniums
at Purdue University and Racial Ethnic Convocations held in
Louisville, Ky. and Orlando, Fla. There were also participants
at “The Dawn” event in Indianapolis, Ind. AIYC has
also contributed to the Native American Day Celebration at the
Presbyterian Center, Louisville.
In the few years since the birth of AIYC many wonderful things
have happened. The history of this committee only sets up a
bright future for those who follow the model of its charter
members. Each member adds a special gift to this wonderful ministry.
May your presence add to the history of the American Indian
Youth Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Currently the American Indian Youth Council is developing their
leadership skills with the idea they will plan and hold a Native
American Youth Conference in the year 2005. Meanwhile, attention
and focus is to participate in the 2003 Connection and 2004
Triennium.
The current AIYC leadership is comprised of youth/young adults
from the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Synod of the Southwest,
Synod of the Sun, Synod Southern California and Hawaii, Synod
of Alaska/Northwest and some members-at-large. |
