The first weeks of school are often filled with nerves, excitement, and anticipation. For UNITY Pacific Region Representative Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), fall has become a time to spark connection, pride, and purpose in her community. Whether she’s welcoming students with coffee and warm smiles, singing traditional songs to honor Native culture, or […]
Mahiya Ramirez Inspires Awareness in Her Community When Muscogee (Creek) Earth Ambassador Mahiya Ramirez stepped into her final semester at the University of Central Oklahoma, she did more than open textbooks—she opened hearts and minds. Her exhibit, Saltwater Sovereignty, now on display on campus, bridges art and activism, reminding viewers that water is not just […]
This month, Jizelle Juan (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community) demonstrated how culture, service, and community wellness are deeply intertwined in her leadership journey as an Earth Ambassador. From cultural practices to civic engagement, she continues to embody stewardship of both the land and her people. “Every Saturday throughout the month, I continued to gather willow […]
The month of August brought both transition and triumph for Navajo Earth Ambassador Vydell Willie. Between packing for his first semester of college and presenting at local chapter meetings, Vydell discovered that true leadership often means learning to balance growth in both personal and community life. Early in the month, he introduced himself as a […]
This week, UNITY’s very own Executive Director, Mary Kim Titla (San Carlos Apache), has been spotted halfway around the world—in Auckland, New Zealand! Partnering with the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), Mary Kim is carrying UNITY’s mission across oceans, showing that inspiring hope for Indigenous youth is a truly global movement. And […]
Native youth from across the Midwest gathered with UNITY Earth Ambassadors for an intensive training on environmental leadership. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the program blended traditional knowledge, scientific approaches, and youth-driven advocacy to prepare participants as leaders for climate action. Some youth drove over 11 hours to attend […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The UNITY Earth Ambassadors (Midwest) Gathering, held August 21–24, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, brought Native youth together for an immersive training rooted in the stewardship of the four elements—Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the event combined cultural traditions, environmental science, and […]
The start of a new school year can be intimidating, but for Ethan Hedgepeth (Cherokee & Tuscarora), it came with an important realization—he’s not alone. As a Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan carries the responsibility of serving Native youth in his region while also navigating college life at East Carolina […]
Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi took part in a panel titled What is Food? at the Arizona Good Food Forum. Alongside intergenerational Indigenous leaders—including her grandfather, Robert Valencia—she discussed food as relationship, memory, and a vision for future generations. Sharing the stage with her grandfather was especially meaningful, planting seeds of inspiration for her ongoing commitment […]
After ten weeks of dedicated work, Pascua Yaqui Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi concluded her internship with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals this August. Partnering with the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians and the University of California Cooperative Extension, she contributed to a climate change and natural resources needs assessment. Her final presentation to the […]
