We are reflecting with deep gratitude on the life and impact of Sonny Tripp (Karuk).
Sonny was a larger-than-life presence, who was full of heart, quick wit, and a booming laugh that reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously, even while doing serious work. He brought warmth, humor, and honesty into every space, and his presence made people feel connected and grounded.
As a CNVP Native Power Building Fellow, Sonny embodied what it means to build power with integrity. Drawing on more than three decades in education and advocacy, he worked across Tribal, local, state, and national systems to advance Indigenous educational justice. He understood power in all its forms… cultural, institutional, and relational, and used it to strengthen partnerships, advance meaningful consultation, and center Native identity, ceremony, and community voice in education systems.
Sonny believed deeply in developing leaders and opening pathways for future generations. He challenged institutions while remaining rooted in care for people, and he showed us how to move change forward with both conviction and compassion.
We are profoundly grateful for the wisdom, leadership, and joy Sonny shared with CNVP.
Our hearts are with Sonny’s family and all who are grieving his loss. We will miss him dearly and will carry his legacy forward.
#SonnyTripp #RestInPower #NativePowerBuilding #IndigenousEducation #CNVP #Legacy
The Natives in LA Summit was a day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment. This event was all about bringing together the diverse voices of the LA native community to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all generations. To see more content click here.
Protecting our land, defending our rights, and uplifting our people is the work of generations. Right now, that work calls for all of us. We need to raise our voices—louder, prouder, and more united than ever. We need to let legislators know: We are watching, we are organizing, and we will not be ignored. There is power in our presence. There is strength in our story. And there is urgency in this moment. Join us. Stand with us. Take action—for our people, for our future, and for all those whose voices deserve to be heard.
California Native Vote Project, or CNVP, is the first-of-its-kind statewide effort to engage Native American communities across dozens of counties to build political power through an integrated voter engagement strategy.
CNVP launched three months prior to the 2016 presidential election to register and educate Native American community members, and has since expanded into organizing, census advocacy and outreach, research, policy and leadership development — all part of an integrated-voter engagement approach.
