Featuring Earth Ambassador: Jizelle Juan (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Western Region) This month, Earth Ambassador Jizelle Juan embodied the spirit of youth leadership through cultural celebration, civic engagement, and powerful public speaking. As a committed member of the Young River Peoples Council, she took part in two executive board meetings, two general council meetings, […]
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 […]
Jamie Crowe: Championing Health Equity and Cultural Revitalization for Native Youth Jamie Crowe, a proud member of the Pueblo of Tesuque, stands as a committed advocate for the health and well-being of Native communities. Serving her second term as the Southwest Regional Representative and Vice President on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Jamie brings […]
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 […]
Gabriel Loonsfoot, a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, is a dedicated young leader who blends cultural tradition with youth empowerment. Serving as the 2025–2026 Midwest Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Gabriel also leads in his local community as Chairman of the Pokagon Band Youth Council. In both […]
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 […]
Ethan Hedgepeth: Uplifting Native Youth Through Wellness, Leadership, and Cultural Pride Ethan Hedgepeth, a proud Cherokee and Tuscarora leader from North Carolina, brings heart, determination, and cultural pride to his role as the 2025–2026 Southeast Area Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Representing Native youth from twelve southeastern states, Ethan is dedicated to […]
Amaya Escalante: Uplifting Youth, Culture, and Community Through Leadership and Service Lios enchim aniavu, Ketchem Allea? Hello everyone—may Creator walk with you all. Amaya Escalante, a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe from Tucson, Arizona, is a dedicated leader, culture bearer, and passionate advocate for Native youth. As the Western Area Representative for the […]
Alina Sanchez: Leading with Culture, Courage, and a Commitment to Youth Empowerment Michuksüs, oya set Alina Sanchez. Hello, my name is Alina Sanchez. I am a 17-year-old proud citizen of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe, and I’m honored to serve as the Pacific Area Representative on the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Entering her senior […]
