Native News Online Launches “America 250: A Republic Built on Native Land”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Native News Online, one of the country’s most widely read and trusted daily Native American news publications, today announced a major editorial initiative titled “America 250: A Republic Built on Native Land.”

“America 250: A Republic Built on Native Land” will center Indigenous voices and present a fuller account of the nation’s history—one that includes both the hardships Native Nations endured and the resilience they have demonstrated over the past 250 years.

One component of the initiative will include a National Native Youth Essay Contest. Native News Online, in collaboration with the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, is inviting Native youth to share their perspectives on the complex history of 1776 and challenge how America views its 250th anniversary.

“Native News Online is uniquely positioned to frame this historic anniversary through Native perspectives that are too often overlooked,” said Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), publisher and editor of Native News Online. “We feel this contest will engage Native youth to examine history in ways they may not have in the past.”

The national writing essay contest is open to Native youth ages 18–24. Three winning essays will be selected by impartial judges from across Indian Country and published by both organizations across their platforms. CNAY is sponsoring monetary prizes for first, second, and third-place winners. For full rules, including eligibility guidelines and prompts, please visit [INSERT LINK to rules page].

“Native youth are not only the U.S. and Tribal Nation leaders of tomorrow, but the essential voices of today,” said CNAY Executive Director Tracy Canard Goodluck (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin & Mvskoke Creek). “We are proud to support this work through our Democracy is Indigenous initiative, which helps promote civic dialogue in Native communities and mobilize young people wishing to drive civic engagement.”

The America 250: A Republic Built on Native Land initiative will also include three podcasts and a livestream.

The initiative will culminate in a national livestream event on July 2, 2026, as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The initiative components include:

Live Stream Event:
The live stream will air Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. EDT and will be rebroadcast throughout the first week of July. Hosted by Levi Rickert, who also hosts the publication’s weekly Native Bidaské, the program will feature tribal leaders and Native scholars discussing the meaning of 1776, what Americans were never taught about Native history, the reality of a nation built on Indigenous land, and the meaning of tribal sovereignty. Kristen Lilya will serve as producer.

Youth Writing Contest:
In partnership with CNAY, Native News Online will host a national essay contest for Native youth ages 18-24. Participants will respond to the same questions posed during the livestream, with three winning essays selected by judges from across Indian Country. All entries must be received by May 1, 2026; 11:59 p.m. EDT. Winners of the contest will be published by Native News Online the week of July 1, 2026, prior to the Fourth of July.

Editorial Coverage and Podcasts:
Throughout June, Native News Online will publish essays from tribal historians and Native scholars. The initiative will also include three podcasts exploring Native perspectives on America’s 250th anniversary.

Together, these efforts aim to ensure that as the nation reflects on 250 years of history, Native voices are central to the conversation.

Related