As a dedicated servant leader, Marla Mesarina, UNITY’s Midwest Regional Representative, has been a shining example of how youth can lead transformative efforts in their communities. Representing the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Marla’s work is deeply rooted in promoting holistic wellness—spanning social, mental, physical, and spiritual health—and making a lasting impact in the lives of Native youth.
Building Networks and Social Wellness
One of Marla’s significant accomplishments in September was her continued work with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a partnership she’s nurtured since the beginning of her first term, thanks to the mentorship of UNITY Earth Ambassador Alumni Hunter Genia. Through this prevention connection, Marla has opened doors not only for herself but for other Native youth leaders in her National UNITY Council network. In September, she nominated and attended the 2024 SAMHSA Youth Summit in Rockville, Maryland, alongside three other UNITY leaders: Nathan Soloria (Northeast Representative), Kaylee Evans (Southeast Representative), and Gabriel Loonsfoot from Pokagon, Michigan.
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At the summit, Marla and her peers engaged with youth leaders from across the nation, working together to find solutions to the challenges young people face today. Their presentations to SAMHSA demonstrated their determination to take action, and they expressed what support youth need to continue their efforts. This experience reinforced Marla’s belief in the power of collective action and the importance of building networks early in life to spark meaningful change.
Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Efforts
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Marla led a deeply impactful project aimed at offering words of wisdom and encouragement to Native youth. Through interviews with elders such as Elaine Flemming and her grandmother, Angie Reyes, as well as National UNITY leader Myron Swimmers, Marla shared messages of hope, resilience, and cultural wisdom. These interviews, held at her home and a local Tribal College, were shared through video posts, providing a platform for youth to receive guidance from their elders, reinforcing the importance of mental wellness through connection to culture.
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This project underscored Marla’s commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for Native youth. By elevating the voices of elders and cultural leaders, Marla bridged generational gaps, offering youth valuable insights into coping with life’s challenges while fostering a stronger sense of belonging within their community.
Spiritual Wellness and Cultural Connection
Central to Marla’s leadership is her deep respect for spiritual wellness. She understands that for Native youth to thrive, they must remain connected to their cultural roots. Her efforts to promote traditional teachings, ceremonies, and wisdom from elders create a foundation of spiritual resilience that strengthens not only individual youth but entire communities.
Her work at the SAMHSA Youth Summit and with her suicide prevention initiatives illustrates how deeply Marla values spiritual guidance as a tool for healing and empowerment. By sharing songs, stories, and cultural practices from different Native nations, Marla continues to foster a strong spiritual community among the youth she represents.
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A Vision for Future Growth
For Marla, the work is never done. The relationships she’s built with organizations like SAMHSA and the connections she’s fostered among her peers are just the beginning of a long journey of advocacy, healing, and leadership. As she continues to represent the Midwest in her role as a UNITY regional representative, Marla will undoubtedly carry forward her vision of creating healthier, more connected, and empowered Native youth communities.
Her servant leadership is a testament to what can be achieved when young people are given the tools, opportunities, and support to make a difference. Marla Mesarina’s commitment to promoting social, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness within her community exemplifies the core values of UNITY and sets a powerful example for the next generation of Native leaders.
With such inspiring efforts, Marla’s work in September demonstrates her ongoing progress toward her goal of uplifting Native youth across the Midwest, and her contributions will continue to leave a lasting impact for years to come.