For Faith Iukes, a proud Tulalip tribal member and UNITY 25 Under 25 Awardee, leadership comes to life through the lens of her camera. As a visual artist, concert photographer, and national vlogger, Faith has found a way to blend her passion for storytelling with her dedication to serving Native communities. Through her work, she inspires other Native youth to find their voices and embrace their roles as cultural leaders.
Leadership in Focus
Faith honed her photography skills while capturing a live concert at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. The experience, she said, was both challenging and transformative.
“Attending the concert and doing photography taught me how fast-paced and dynamic the environment is,” Faith shared. “It pushed me to adapt quickly, which deepened my appreciation for capturing the raw energy of live performances in the moment.”
Through concert photography, Faith not only refined her technical skills but also gained valuable lessons in leadership—adaptability, attention to detail, and the ability to tell a story through images.
Telling Stories Through the Lens
Faith’s work extends far beyond live events. As a national vlogger, she incorporates traditional and cultural storytelling into her digital media projects, ensuring that Indigenous voices and perspectives remain at the forefront.
“Every photo or video is an opportunity to share our stories and celebrate who we are as Native people,” Faith said. “Visual storytelling allows us to connect with others, preserve our traditions, and inspire future generations.”
Faith’s dedication to storytelling aligns perfectly with UNITY’s mission to foster the development of Native youth. By showcasing the beauty and resilience of Indigenous cultures, she empowers others to take pride in their heritage and explore creative ways to uplift their communities.
Empowering Others Through Art
Faith’s work demonstrates how creative expression can serve as a powerful tool for leadership and advocacy. Whether conducting interviews or capturing moments through her lens, she inspires other Native youth to find their voices and embrace their unique talents.
“Art is a way for us to lead, connect, and create change,” Faith explained. “Through photography and videography, we can share our stories with the world and make sure our voices are heard.”
Her dedication to visual storytelling not only promotes positive representation of Indigenous cultures but also encourages other young people to use their passions as a means of civic engagement and community mobilization.
Expanding Horizons Through UNITY
Faith’s journey highlights how UNITY expands the horizons of Native youth by fostering leadership through personal and cultural development. By supporting youth leaders like Faith, UNITY creates opportunities for young people to explore their talents, develop their skills, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
“UNITY has shown me that leadership comes in many forms,” Faith said. “Whether you’re behind a camera, on stage, or working directly with your community, every role matters in building a stronger, more unified future.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Faith Iukes is a shining example of how Native youth leaders can use their talents to inspire change and foster connection. By blending traditional storytelling with modern media, she bridges the past and present, ensuring that Indigenous voices continue to shape the future.
Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t confined to a single path—it can be found in creativity, community service, and the willingness to share your unique perspective with the world. For Faith, each image and video is more than a work of art—it’s an act of leadership, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
“Through storytelling, we can show the world who we are and what we stand for,” Faith said. “It’s about celebrating our traditions, lifting each other up, and making sure our stories are never forgotten.”