A Cucapah tribe teenager won the National Youth Award for her defense of her community’s traditions and culture.

Yadira Mateos Gonzalez, 15, received Monday the award in the strengthening of indigenous culture category.

The sophomore was one of the 19 awarded people.

Besides defending her tribe’s rights, Mateos Gonzalez has also produced clothes and holds seminars to disseminate her people’s activities.

The teenager has received twice the State’s Youth Award in recognition to her effort. The National award acknowledges Youth efforts in several areas, including sports, culture, entrepreneurship and others for their work ethics and becoming an example to others.