This summer, UNITY Earth Ambassador Codie Horse-Topetchy, Kiowa, Comanche, and Otoe-Missouria, was honored to join the Indigenous Kinship Circle for Climate Futures research program at the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (SCCASC) in Norman, Oklahoma. Alongside other college students from the University of Oklahoma and the University of New Mexico, she began a two-year […]
For Tia Butler (Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians), the weeks following the 2025 National UNITY Conference have been a season of connection, tradition, and advocacy. Since returning home, she has been fully immersed in community life — “These activities were so meaningful, as they were an outlet to not only connect with community members, but […]
This fall, Native youth from across the country will unite for two powerful regional events designed to blend traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science: the UNITY Earth Ambassadors (Midwest) Gathering in Michigan and the UNITY Earth Ambassadors (Southeast) Gathering in Florida. These gatherings are part of the UNITY Earth Ambassadors Stewardship Program, a 10-month […]
For Jamie Crowe (Pueblo of Tesuque), Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, July was a month of growth, purpose, and commitment to the environment. The month began in San Diego, California, at the National UNITY Conference, where over 3,000 Native youth gathered to learn, share, and lead. Jamie returned home with a […]
Before the official kickoff of the 2025 National UNITY Conference, a group of Native youth leaders arrived early in San Diego to participate in UNITY’s Earth Ambassadors Pre-Conference Training—a powerful experience blending cultural connection, environmental education, and action planning for climate justice. These youth make up the newly selected 2025–2026 Circle of UNITY Earth Ambassadors, […]
Jada Allen of the Lumbee Tribe Named 2025-26 UNITY Earth Ambassador UNITY is honored to announce Jada Allen, a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, as one of its newly awarded 2025 Earth Ambassadors. Representing the Southeast Region, Jada is a senior at Duke University whose life’s work is deeply grounded in protecting […]
Codie Horse-Topetchy Named 2025-26 UNITY Earth Ambassador UNITY is proud to announce Codie Horse-Topetchy as one of its 2025 Earth Ambassadors, a title awarded to Native youth demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship and Indigenous community empowerment. A member of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Otoe-Missouria Tribes of Oklahoma, Codie is a 22-year-old student at the […]
Vydell Willie of the Navajo Nation Named 2025-26 UNITY Earth Ambassador UNITY is honored to recognize Vydell Willie of the Navajo Nation as one of its 2025 UNITY Earth Ambassadors. Representing the Western Region, Vydell exemplifies the next generation of Indigenous climate leaders, combining scientific research, cultural tradition, and youth engagement to address urgent environmental […]
Nizhoni Deschene of the Navajo Nation & Turtle Mountain Chippewa Named 2025-26 UNITY Earth Ambassador UNITY proudly announces Nizhoni Deschene, a 17-year-old changemaker from the Navajo Nation and Turtle Mountain Chippewa, as a 2025 Earth Ambassador representing the Northeast Region. Living in Maryland, Nizhoni is bridging traditional teachings and modern technologies to advocate for energy […]
Néepa Hyde of the Shinnecock Nation Named 2025-26 UNITY Earth Ambassador UNITY is proud to announce Néepa Hyde of the Shinnecock Nation as a 2025 UNITY Earth Ambassador representing the Northeast Region. At only 14 years old, Néepa is already a powerful voice in Indigenous environmental advocacy, blending creative outreach, traditional knowledge, and hands-on stewardship […]
