When Liliana Mars (Narragansett, Navajo) steps into the circle, she is doing far more than moving to the beat of the drum—she is carrying generations of resilience and responsibility as both a cultural leader and the Northeast Regional Representative and Secretary of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC). This past August, her calendar was […]
The scent of smoke hung heavy in Minnesota this August, a reminder of how climate change impacts every corner of our lives—even in the cornfields, where young leaders bent to pull weeds. For Shinnecock and Onondaga Earth Ambassador Néepa Hyde, the month was her busiest yet, filled with hands-on lessons in food sovereignty, cultural teachings, […]
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 […]
This Fall, UNITY Earth Ambassador Nizhoni Deschene (Navajo Nation, Turtle Mountain Chippewa) began a new chapter at the University of California, Berkeley, stepping into his role as the Director of Indigenous and Native Advocacy in the ASUC Senate office. His leadership is already shaping initiatives that prioritize Native student representation and cultural visibility. “We are […]
At the National UNITY Council (NUC) Business Meeting on June 30, 2025, during the National UNITY Conference in San Diego, California, more than 130 Native youth leaders representing over 60 affiliated youth councils across 23 states gathered to identify the most urgent challenges facing their peers and communities. Guided by both regional discussions and survey […]
This July, UNITY Earth Ambassador Nizhoni Deschene, Navajo and Turtle Mountain Chippewa, dedicated his efforts to bridging the gap between Indigenous knowledge, financial literacy, and authentic youth leadership. Continuing his internship at Tallsalt Advisors, a Native-led investment advisory firm, he took on key responsibilities that advanced both internal operations and client-facing initiatives. From compiling detailed […]
Featuring Earth Ambassador: Néepa Hyde (Shinnecock & Onondaga, Midwest Region) Fresh off the 2025 National UNITY Conference, Néepa Hyde wasted no time putting her leadership into action. Just one week later, she began working with Dream of Wild Health’s Garden Warriors program in Hugo, Minnesota—a life-changing experience that deepened her connection to land, language, and […]
Liliana Mars, a proud Narragansett and Navajo young leader, is a shining example of how cultural pride and service can come together to create powerful change. With a heart rooted in advocacy, wellness, and cultural preservation, Liliana recently graduated with honors and a 4.0 GPA from Acellus Academy. This fall, she will begin a new […]
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 […]
