“Fighting for Change: Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon Represents the Mohegan Tribe
at the White House Tribal Youth Forum”
Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon’s heart is filled with purpose, and it’s clear that her mission is to empower and inspire the next generation of Native leaders. “It is us—the youth—who are truly going to be the change we wish to see in the world,” she said, reflecting on the transformative power of Indigenous youth in shaping the future. As a UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee, Kiara’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, from presenting her research on traditional healing at prestigious universities to representing the Mohegan Tribe at the historic 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum. These experiences have strengthened her resolve to continue advocating for mental, physical, spiritual, and social wellness within her community and beyond.
In November, Kiara was involved in several impactful initiatives that blended cultural advocacy with leadership. She began by virtually presenting to pre-school students in Massachusetts, where she shared her Mohegan heritage and provided a lesson on Native American Heritage Month. This early exposure to Native culture is an important step in breaking stereotypes and educating the younger generation about Indigenous history. She then co-authored a paper published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology on “Traditional Healing as Mental Health Intervention,” which was presented at Quinnipiac University’s 5th Annual Indigeneity Teach-In. Combining contemporary psychological research with traditional healing practices, Kiara is helping bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledge and modern mental health care.
Her journey took her to Washington, D.C. to attend the White House Tribal Youth Forum, where she joined other Native youth leaders in dialogue with federal officials. “It was such an honor to represent the Mohegan Tribe and the UNITY 25 Under 25 leaders at the White House Tribal Youth Forum,” Kiara shared. The event provided a platform for youth voices to be heard by policymakers, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the role of youth in shaping their communities. Kiara’s experience at the forum reaffirmed her belief that the youth are the true change-makers in Indian Country.
The UNITY network supports and encourages youth like Kiara to use their collective power to improve their communities. Through grassroots efforts—whether on reservations, urban centers, or college campuses—Native youth are coming together to uplift their people. Kiara’s leadership exemplifies this, as she uses her platform to advocate for the preservation of culture, the well-being of her community, and the empowerment of her peers. By promoting wellness in all its forms—spiritual, mental, physical, and social—she is living out the values of servant leadership that UNITY strives to instill in its youth.
Kiara also attended the Native American Heritage Month event at the MET Museum in New York City, where she connected with relatives and fellow Native youth leaders. “Being in community with my People fills my heart, empowers me, and is incredibly healing,” she reflected, emphasizing how important it is to unite as a community to heal and grow stronger. Her journey serves as a reminder of the deep cultural bonds that tie Native youth to their roots, even as they work to create positive change on a national level.
As she continues her work in both local and national spheres, Kiara is living proof that youth leadership is essential to the future of Native communities. “There is nothing that can stop us from carrying on the fight of our Elders and Ancestors,” she said, her words a testament to her unwavering commitment to her people. With the guidance of UNITY, her tribal nation, and the support of other passionate leaders, Kiara is sure to continue making an impact—one rooted in her culture’s strength, resilience, and wisdom.